Social care, healthcare and rehabilitation professionals' views of evidence-based rehabilitation: a qualitative study

Background/Aims Rehabilitation is a complex multidisciplinary process with many moving parts; misunderstandings of the concept of evidence-based practice may contribute to professionals' perception that its use in rehabilitation is challenging. The aim of this study was to describe the perceptions of evidence-based rehabilitation among professionals in the social care, healthcare and rehabilitation fields who were engaged in continued education. Methods The study consisted of a sample of 22 social care, healthcare, and rehabilitation professionals who attended an online continued education module. The research data consisted of participants' submissions for an independent learning task relating to their perceptions and understanding of evidence-based rehabilitation. The submissions were provided in the form of audio files (MP4) that were uploaded to the online learning environment (Moodle). Data were analysed by inductive content analysis. The codes (n=468) were condensed into subcategories (n=71) and organised to preserve important details. Subcategories were grouped into categories (n=13) based on content similarities, which were then further grouped into three main categories during the final abstraction phase. Results The participants' statements concerning their perceptions and understanding of evidence-based rehabilitation were grouped into three main categories: the client at the heart of evidence-based rehabilitation; evidence-based rehabilitation as a guideline for working as a social care, healthcare or rehabilitation professional; and evidence-based rehabilitation based on research and development of practices. Practitioners described their understanding of evidence-based rehabilitation from a variety of perspectives, including those of client work, professional competence, research and developmental work. Conclusions This study provides a multidisciplinary and interprofessional approach to evidence-based rehabilitation and addresses the limited consideration of such perspectives in previous research. Implications for practice Evidence-based rehabilitation emphasises client-centeredness, equality, and the influence of environmental and personal factors. It is integral to professional duties, competence, and multiprofessional collaboration, grounded in multidisciplinary research. This approach is essential for the implementation, assessment and development of rehabilitation resources, management and services. Evidence-based rehabilitation provides a unifying framework for the effective integration of healthcare services.