Organisational support for evidence-based practice in occupational health services in Finland

There is very little published research about evidence-based practice (EBP) in occupational health services (OHS), and none to date in Finland. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) model of evidence-based healthcare provides a clear and intuitive conceptual framework for exploring how research evidence and the practice of medicine could be better integrated. Thus far it has seen very little use within the occupational health arena. This study explores the extent of organisational support given to OHS professionals in providing EBP in Finland. We collected survey data ( n = 524) from Finnish OHS physicians and nurses involved either solely in patient care duties or also in a managerial, development or expert role, using a validated online questionnaire (EBP-OHS) that was made available in two waves: in November 2020 and August 2021. We analysed quantitative data using descriptive methods and qualitative data using content analysis. Most respondents reported that their organisations value evidence-based practice (83%) and encourage staff to use evidence-based information (74%). In their opinion, the most important means to support EBP were managerial support and example, employee training, and a dedicated team or expert responsible for ensuring that care delivery consistently aligns with the latest evidence. The respondents wanted clear and uniform processes for implementing research evidence into practice, and IT systems that support both the implementation and reporting of EBP in practice. Successful EBP in OHS seems likely to require managers to set a good example, both in their attitude and actions. Building a culture of implementing EBP requires staff to be empowered to share and keep up with robust and relevant new evidence and to be allocated sufficient time to do so. OHS units need to have clear structures and forums dedicated to engaging in EBP. OHS would likely benefit from having clear implementation processes and EBP tools that allow systematic follow-up and reporting.