Original Research Article

Assessing Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy:
A Multifaceted Mixed-Methods Approach

Health practitioners (such as physical therapists) see evidence-based Practice (EBP) as the "holy grail" of patient management. However, patients are sometimes not treated with the appropriate therapies for their illness. Although studies have already investigated the facilitators and barriers to this issue, the relevance of the information obtained increases if it is context-appropriate. Because the profession is still relatively young in Portugal, little is known regarding the adoption of EBP in the context of Portuguese physical therapists. So, the purpose of this study is to determine whether or not Portuguese physical therapists use an EBP, as well as to gather and better understand the causes, challenges, and facilitators related to EBP.

Methods

The study used a mixed-methods design, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. To ensure a correct sample, a National Professional Association email database and past students' emails were used. Quantitative data was collected through an e-survey adapted from the EBP: Beliefs, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behaviors of Physical Therapists Portuguese version questionnaire, which was analyzed using logistic regression. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with selected physical therapists, focusing on sociodemographic factors and systematic review survey responses. The interviews were conducted online using online software, with audio contact and thematic exploration.

A study of 277 physical therapists in Portugal found that 193 completed a questionnaire, and 10 participated in interviews. The Portuguese therapists reported positive beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours regarding evidence-based Practice (EBP). Age, education, and workplace were identified as key factors in EBP implementation. Evidence, patients, clinical experience, schools, country, and physical therapy characteristics also acted as facilitators or barriers when performing EBP. The study highlights the importance of understanding experimental design and implementing EBP in Portugal.

Physical therapists, thematic exploration, clinical experience, e-surveys, triangulating analysis, orthopaedic conditions, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, RCTs, Philosophy Doctors, logistic regression analysis, clinical instructors

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