[Adherence to and influencing factors of evidence-based practice in physiotherapeutic care in Germany: a cross-sectional study]

Abstract

Background: The implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is a central goal in health care. As in other areas, the transfer of scientific knowledge into clinical practice is very delayed or incomplete in physiotherapy. The primary aim of the present study is to describe the adherence to EBP among physiotherapists working in Germany. The secondary goal is the exploratory analysis of selected factors influencing the implementation of EBP.

Methods: The present exploratory analysis is based on the data of physiotherapists who participated in a cross-sectional study on the use of EBP by health care professionals (study registration no.: DRKS00013792). The participants in the online survey completed the "Evidence-based Practice Inventory", a questionnaire with five dimensions used to quantify the adherence to EBP. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis was used to examine the associations between various sociodemographic characteristics and EBP.

Results: 318 physiotherapists participated in the survey (age: 37±12 years; 60 % female; professional experience: 14±11 years). Approximately 70-80 % of the participants, in principle, had a positive attitude towards EBP and perceived EBP as helpful and useful in clinical practice. About 60 % of the respondents felt able to apply the principles of the EBP (e. g., acquisition, appraisal and application of external evidence). However, the data also showed that the implementation of EBP in clinical physiotherapeutic care is insufficient. For example, only 20 % of the respondents reported that their facility paid great attention to applying the principles of the EBP in decision-making, and only about a third of the respondents said that they frequently searched for or used external evidence. The strongest facilitators of EBP include the participation in scientific publications and more than one hour per week to read scientific literature at work.

Conclusion: In principle, physiotherapists in Germany have a positive attitude towards EBP, but currently do not adequately take into account the principles of EBP. These factors should be further analyzed and targeted through effective interventions.

Keywords: Allied health professions; Clinical practice; Evidence-based practice; Evidenzbasierte Praxis; Gesundheitsfachberufe; Klinische Praxis; Physical therapy; Physiotherapie; Physiotherapy.