Evidence-Based Practice among Dutch Occupational Therapists: Barriers, Perceptions, and Use of Resources

Abstract

This study explored how evidence-based practice (EBP) is perceived by Dutch occupational therapists (OTs), what sources of evidence they use to make clinical decisions, and what barriers they experience when implementing EBP. Two-hundred members of the Dutch Association of Occupational Therapy (EN) practicing as OTs in the Netherlands were randomly selected. The data collection process resulted in a 54.6% response rate. Dutch OTs valued EBP greatly. Participants reported evaluating the quality of research evidence to be the greatest barrier to EBP. A barrier unique to this study was difficulty in using evidence written in foreign languages, which was likely to decrease the use of more robust sources of evidence. Support from the workplace was important in increasing the use of EBP. The findings suggested that EBP is not implemented optimally in the Dutch OT community. Cooperation between OTs, employers, educators, researchers, and EN is necessary in addressing existing barriers.