Factors that promote the use of evidence-based knowledge among physiotherapists in the municipal health services: An interview study

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the study was to explore factors that promote the use of evidence-based knowledge among municipal physiotherapists. Design, material and method: The study was a qualitative study using individual interviews as a method. Eight in-depth interviews with municipal physiotherapists in three Norwegian municipalities constituted the empirical material. "The Framework Method" was used to analyse the data. Findings: Factors that promote physiotherapists' use of evidence-based knowledge were summarized as four themes that were identified across all the interviews: "job decision latitude and supportive managers", inclusive “level of tolerance in workplace culture”, "professional commitment " and "competence in evidence-based practice”. Conclusion: The study helps to understand that the use of evidence-based knowledge in clinical practice is not a "straightforward process". For physiotherapists to succeed in using evidence-based knowledge, they need committed managers who provide both support and more time. A workplace culture that is positive about using new knowledge from research is needed. Physiotherapists’ characteristics, such as motivation and professional commitment could support research use, as could competence in evidence-based practice.

Keywords

• evidence-based knowledge
• physiotherapy
• evidence-based practice
• implementation