Determining the knowledge, attitudes and frequency of use of final year health care students in implementing evidence-based practice.

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for delivering optimal client care. Although healthcare sciences students, including occupational therapy students at the University of Pretoria, receive the same evidence-based practice training, their attitudes, knowledge, skills and practices in EBP remain mostly unknown. Determining these aspects in final-year students is important as it may impact their future practice.

Methods: A non-experimental cross-sectional study was conducted using the Student Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire. The survey was electronically distributed and completed by 50 final-year healthcare sciences students. Data analysis was performed using measures of central tendency.

Results and Discussion: Participants have positive attitudes related to the implementation of evidence-based practice. However, gaps in practice remain. Students rate their evidence-based practice knowledge as “average”, which may impact their practice after graduation. Students report that they are more skilled in certain steps of EBP than others.

Conclusion: The survey results can be used to strengthen evidence-based practice training for healthcare sciences students, potentially improving their ability to implement evidence-based practice after graduation. Several identified barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practice may be overcome through more purposeful training.

Implications for practice

• Positive attitudes towards EBP do not necessarily translate into increased practice and skills in EBP.
• Educators should be aware of the challenges students experience with the different steps of EBP.
• Training of healthcare science students should be developed to include all five steps of EBP.
• Educating students on how to effectively use resources provided by their institutions can improve the evidence they find and apply.