Occupational Therapists’ Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice: A Cross Sectional Survey

Evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation has been associated with quality health care outcomes, yet only a small proportion of occupational therapists implement EBP. We conducted a cross-sectional survey measuring EBP implementation, skill and knowledge, self-reflection behavior, and practice demographics to clarify implementation of EBP and factors acting as supports. A random sample of occupational therapists practicing in the U.S. was invited to participate; 578 surveys were included in the final analysis. Participants implemented EBP less than 1 time over the previous 8 weeks; EBP use was highest in those with a doctorate (p = .002) and high self-reflection behavior (p = .001); EBP use was marginally higher in those with organizational support (p = .008; p = .009), time for EBP (p = .009), and access to full text articles (p = .006). Further investigation of how reflective practice and levels of doctoral education support EBP use are recommended.