Evidence-Based Practice: Believes, Attitudes, Knowledge And Behaviors Of Physical Therapists In Riyadh

Research Article
Afaf a. Shaheen and Amal Mabd el Baky
DOI: 
xxx-xxxxx-xxxx
Subject: 
science
KeyWords: 
Evidence-based practice, Beliefs, Attitudes, Knowledge, Behaviors, Saudi PTs.
Abstract: 

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is considered an essential component of clinical service delivery in health care. Up to authors' knowledge no research has been done regarding the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge and behaviors of Saudi physical therapists (PTs) relative to the use of evidence in practice. The purposes of this study were to describe the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors of PT members of the Saudi Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) as they relate to EBP and to generate hypotheses about the relationship between these attributes, personal and practice characteristics of the respondents. Using a cross-sectional survey methodology, a random sample of PT members of SPTA resulted in an 82% return rate and a sample of 211 that was representative of the national membership. Participants completed a questionnaire designed to determine their beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding EBP. The results showed that, respondents agreed that the use of evidence in practice is necessary, the literature is helpful in their practices, and the quality of patient care is better when evidence is used. It was concluded that, Saudi PTs had a positive attitude about EBP and were interested in learning or improving the skills necessary to implement EBP.