Evidence-based information-seeking behaviors of occupational therapists: a survey of recent graduates.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Gilman IP
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3193355 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Evidence-based information-seeking behaviors of occupational therapists: a survey of recent graduates.
Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA 20111001 4
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Project description:BackgroundMedical students face an information-rich environment in which retrieval and appraisal strategies are increasingly important.ObjectiveTo describe medical students' current pattern of health information resource use and characterize their experience of instruction on information search and appraisal.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey of students registered in the four-year MD Program at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick, sites), Canada. We collected self-reported data on information-seeking behavior, instruction, and evaluation of resources in the context of their medical education. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsSurveys were returned by 213 of 462 eligible students (46.1%). Most respondents (165/204, 80.9%) recalled receiving formal instruction regarding information searches, but this seldom included nontraditional tools such as Google (23/107, 11.1%), Wikipedia, or social media. In their daily practice, however, they reported heavy use of these tools, as well as EBM summaries. Accessibility, understandability, and overall usefulness were common features of highly used resources. Students identified challenges managing information and/or resource overload and source accessibility.ConclusionsMedical students receive instruction primarily on searching and assessing primary medical literature. In their daily practice, however, they rely heavily on nontraditional tools as well as EBM summaries. Attention to appropriate use and appraisal of nontraditional sources might enhance the current EBM curriculum.
| S-EPMC5041342 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The aim of this online cross-sectional study is to identify the sources of scientific information used by Brazilian dentists in clinical decision-making and the barriers that they perceive as important to the incorporation of scientific evidence into clinical practice. A pretested questionnaire created in Google Forms which was made available to participants through links sent by e-mail or shared on Facebook® and Instagram® was used to collect the data between October 2018 and May 2019. Only dentists who were involved in direct or indirect care of patients (i.e. clinicians who performed dental procedures or dental educators who participated in the clinical training of graduate or postgraduate dental students) were asked to complete the questionnaire. The sample was comprised of 528 dentists (the response rate from the alumni database was 6.9%); their mean age was 45.2 years (±12.5) and 30.9% had an academic position. The majority were women (68.0%) and lived in Southern or Southeastern Brazil (96.0%). The sources of scientific information more frequently used by them in clinical decision-making were clinical guidelines (65.1%; 95% CI: 60.9, 69.2), scientific articles (56.8%; 95%CI: 52.5, 61.1) and bibliographic databases (48.3%; 95% CI: 43.9, 52.6). The information resource less frequently used was social media. The most important barriers to the clinical use of scientific evidence were: difficulty in determining whether scientific contents found on the Internet were reliable or not (41.8%; 95% CI: 37.6, 46.2), high cost of access to scientific papers (37.7%; 95% CI: 33.5, 41.9), and lack of time for reading scientific articles (32.4%; 95% CI: 28.4, 36.6). Although Brazilian dentists show a positive attitude towards obtaining scientific evidence from reliable sources, there still remain important barriers to the translation of evidence into practice. This can have significant implications for quality of care and should be further investigated.
| S-EPMC7993878 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundGender-sensitive approaches to health communication aim to integrate gender perspectives at all levels of communication, as an individual's biological sex and socially assigned gender identity have an impact on whether and how one acquires what type of health information. Due to the fast and low-cost opportunity to search for a wide range of information, the internet seems to be a particularly suitable place for gender-related health information about diseases of sex-specific organs and diseases where biological differences are associated with different health risks.ObjectiveThis study aims to inform gender-related information provision and acquisition in 2 ways. The first objective was to provide a theory-driven analysis of web-based health information-seeking behavior (HISB) regarding gender-related issues. Therefore, the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model (PRISM), which is one of the most integrative models of HISB, was adapted and applied. Second, we asked for gender-specific motivational determinants of gender-related web-based HISB comparing the predictors in the groups of women and men.MethodsData from a stratified web-based survey of the German population (N=3000) explained gender-related web-based HISB and influencing patterns comparing women and men. The applicability of PRISM to gender-related web-based HISB was tested using structural equation modeling and a multigroup comparison.ResultsThe results revealed PRISM as an effective framework for explaining gender-related web-based HISB. The model accounted for 28.8% of the variance in gender-related web-based HISB. Gender-related subjective norms provided the most crucial explanatory power, followed by perceived seeking control. The multigroup comparison revealed differences in the model's explanatory power and the relevance of predictors of gender-related web-based HISB. The share of explained variances of web-based HISB is higher in men than in women. For men, norms were a more relevant promoting factor, whereas web-based HISB of women was more strongly associated with perceived seeking control.ConclusionsThe results are crucial for gender-sensitive targeting strategies and suggest gender-related health information interventions that address gender-related subjective norms. Furthermore, programs (eg, web-based learning units) should be developed and offered to improve individuals' (perceived) abilities to perform web-based searches for health information, as those with higher control beliefs are more likely to access web-based information.
| S-EPMC10233438 | biostudies-literature
Project description:With survival after stroke improving, more people are discharged into the community with multiple and persistent deficits. Fatigue is a common unmet need for stroke survivors, but there are no evidence-based guidelines for its assessment and management. This study explored how UK-based therapists conceptualise post-stroke fatigue (PSF) in current practice.ObjectiveTo describe current understanding of PSF among physiotherapists (PT) and occupational therapists (OT).DesignA cross-sectional online survey using Qualtrics software (a survey creation and analysis programme) was sent to therapists working with stroke survivors in 2019. Responses to the open ended question, 'How would you describe PSF if approached by another healthcare professional?' were analysed thematically by two independent researchers.Participants137 survey respondents (71 PT and 66 OT) from a range of clinical settings (25 acute care, 24 sub-acute rehabilitation care, 3 primary care and 85 community care) with 7 months-36 years of experience working with stroke survivors completed the survey.ResultsRespondents stated that PSF should be regarded as an important medical condition because it is common and can be associated with severe symptoms. Symptoms were perceived to be highly variable and the syndrome was difficult to define objectively. It was felt to have both physical and cognitive components. A variety of different opinions were expressed with regard to causation, conceptualisation and best management.ConclusionTherapists working with stroke survivors conceptualise and manage PSF in different ways. Clinical practice is hampered by a lack of a widely adopted definition, and a small evidence base. Research into causes and management of PSF is a priority.
| S-EPMC6924719 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Do-it-yourself (DiY) assistive technology gained attention in accessibility literature recently, especially in relation to the rise of digital fabrication technologies, such as 3D printing. Previously, small-scale studies showed that care professionals generally respond positively towards the idea of creating DiY assistive devices for their clients. However, several barriers and concerns may hinder care professionals' actual adoption of digital fabrication technologies. To better understand occupational therapists' willingness to adopt 3D printing, we have conducted an exploratory survey study (N = 119) based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). Confirming previous studies, occupational therapists in this study showed generally positive attitudes towards adopting 3D printing technology. Factors that may affect their intentions to use 3D printing technology include expectations regarding job performance, effort, social influence, and facilitating conditions, as well as one's tendency to adopt novel technologies. Furthermore, occupational therapists will likely experience difficulties when first using 3D printing technology, despite their overall positive expectations of the ease of use. Therefore, we recommend that further research should focus on training, but especially on effective ways to support occupational therapists on the job, for instance, by facilitating collaborations with 3D printing experts.
| S-EPMC9812607 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe Internet provides a platform to access health information and support self-management by consumers with chronic health conditions. Despite recognized barriers to accessing Web-based health information, there is a lack of research quantitatively exploring whether consumers report difficulty finding desired health information on the Internet and whether these consumers would like assistance (ie, navigational needs). Understanding navigational needs can provide a basis for interventions guiding consumers to quality Web-based health resources.ObjectiveWe aimed to (1) estimate the proportion of consumers with navigational needs among seekers of Web-based health information with chronic health conditions, (2) describe Web-based health information-seeking behaviors, level of patient activation, and level of eHealth literacy among consumers with navigational needs, and (3) explore variables predicting navigational needs.MethodsA questionnaire was developed based on findings from a qualitative study on Web-based health information-seeking behaviors and navigational needs. This questionnaire also incorporated the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS; a measure of self-perceived eHealth literacy) and PAM-13 (a measure of patient activation). The target population was consumers of Web-based health information with chronic health conditions. We surveyed a sample of 400 Australian adults, with recruitment coordinated by Qualtrics. This sample size was required to estimate the proportion of consumers identified with navigational needs with a precision of 4.9% either side of the true population value, with 95% confidence. A subsample was invited to retake the survey after 2 weeks to assess the test-retest reliability of the eHEALS and PAM-13.ResultsOf 514 individuals who met our eligibility criteria, 400 (77.8%) completed the questionnaire and 43 participants completed the retest. Approximately half (51.3%; 95% CI 46.4-56.2) of the population was identified with navigational needs. Participants with navigational needs appeared to look for more types of health information on the Internet and from a greater variety of information sources compared to participants without navigational needs. However, participants with navigational needs were significantly less likely to have high levels of eHealth literacy (adjusted odds ratio=0.83, 95% CI 0.78-0.89, P<.001). Age was also a significant predictor (P=.02).ConclusionsApproximately half of the population of consumers of Web-based health information with chronic health conditions would benefit from support in finding health information on the Internet. Despite the popularity of the Internet as a source of health information, further work is recommended to maximize its potential as a tool to assist self-management in consumers with chronic health conditions.
| S-EPMC4710847 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to the integration of scientific evidence into the clinical setting. This study aimed to determine whether Latin American physiotherapists use EBP, analyze the associated factors, barriers, and facilitators, and examine the relationships between these elements in clinical practice. To conduct this cross-sectional study, the web-based questionnaire survey method was chosen. Survey was self-administered questionnaires to assess understanding of various EBP-related terms and determine their knowledge and ability to apply these concepts in clinical practice. The association between attitudes, awareness, and knowledge scores and the demographic data such as age group, years of experience, professional membership registry, and self-reported education was assessed. The questionnaire was distributed to a total of 5000 physical therapists, of which 4099 (82%) responded from seven Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, México, Perú, and Venezuela), between June 1, 2020, and May 31, 2024. Overall, the physical therapists had positive attitudes, beliefs, and interests in EBP. Their educational background, knowledge, and skills related to assessing and interpreting information were associated to the use of EBP. In addition, 53% of respondents indicated that lack of time was the main obstacle to the use of EBP. The top 3 barriers included insufficient time (53%), lack of information resources (20.8%), and lack of research tools (13.6%). Among Latin American physical therapists, individual characteristics workplace, clinical experience, educational background, and demographic characteristics, may behave as facilitators or barriers when performing an EBP. Thus, identifying methods and strategies to support physical therapists in adopting EBP in the Latin American is necessary. The academization of physiotherapy training might change this in the future.
| S-EPMC11550410 | biostudies-literature
Project description:AimThe aim of this study was to explore the current and potential use of information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance coherent person-centred rehabilitation after stroke, from the perspectives of physiotherapists and occupational therapists.MethodFive occupational therapists and four physiotherapists from different phases of the Danish stroke rehabilitation process were included and two focus group interviews were carried out. A grounded theory approach was used throughout the study and a constant comparative method was used in the analysis.ResultsThree subcategories were identified from the analysis of interviews with participants: 1) ICT and apps as meaningful and supportive in the rehabilitation process, 2) ICT as a tool in communication and documentation and 3) Barriers to the integration of ICT and apps in the rehabilitation process. From these categories one core category emerged: The potential of a personalized app solution to facilitate coherent person-centred rehabilitation.ConclusionICT was perceived as important to integrate in stroke rehabilitation both for assessment, training and to compensate for remaining deficits. The development of a personalized app solution could accommodate stroke survivors' and significant others' need for insight into and overview over the rehabilitation process as well as access to relevant information, which would thereby empower them. Furthermore, a personalized app solution could also facilitate follow-up after discharge and was perceived to ease the communication and documentation within and between sectors, as well as communication with both stroke survivors and significant others.
| S-EPMC7454973 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundWorldwide, the internet is an increasingly important channel for health information. Many theories have been applied in research on online health information seeking behaviors (HISBs), with each model integrating a different set of predictors; thus, a common understanding of the predictors of (online) HISB is still missing. Another shortcoming of the theories explaining (online) HISB is that most existing models, so far, focus on very specific health contexts such as cancer. Therefore, the assumptions of the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model (PRISM) as the latest integrative model are applied to study online HISB, because this model identifies the general cognitive and sociopsychological factors that explain health information seeking intention. We shift away from single diseases and explore cross-thematic patterns of online HISB intention and compare predictors concerning different health statuses as it can be assumed that groups of people perceiving themselves as ill or healthy will differ concerning their drivers of online HISB. Considering the specifics of online HISB and variation in individual context factors is key for the development of generalizable theories.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to contribute to the development of the concept of online HISB in 2 areas. First, this study aimed to explore individual-level predictors of individuals' online HISB intention by applying the postulates of PRISM. Second, we compared relevant predictors of online HISB in groups of people with different health statuses to identify cross-thematic central patterns of online HISB.MethodsData from a representative sample of German internet users (n=822) served to explain online HISB intentions and influencing patterns in different groups of people. The applicability of the PRISM to online HISB intention was tested by structural equation modeling and multigroup comparison.ResultsOur results revealed PRISM to be an effective framework for explaining online HISB intention. For online HISB, attitudes toward seeking health information online provided the most important explanatory power followed by risk perceptions and affective risk responses. The multigroup comparison revealed differences both regarding the explanatory power of the model and the relevance of predictors of online HISB. The online HISB intention could be better explained for people facing a health threat, suggesting that the predictors adopted from PRISM were more suitable to explain a problem-driven type of information-seeking behavior.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that attitudes toward seeking health information online and risk perceptions are of central importance for online HISB across different health-conditional contexts. Predictors such as self-efficacy and perceived knowledge insufficiency play a context-dependent role-they are more influential when individuals are facing health threats and the search for health information is of higher personal relevance and urgency. These findings can be understood as the first step to develop a generalized theory of online HISB.
| S-EPMC8709915 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Occupational therapy is the leading profession with regard to supporting children who experience difficulties with occupations as a result of sensory processing differences. However, there are mixed reports with regard to the efficacy of various sensory interventions and approaches, leaving little clear guidance for occupational therapists supporting children with these difficulties. The Sensory Form is a planning tool developed in 2017 to guide occupational therapists in their professional reasoning for assessment and intervention of sensory processing differences. To date, no research has been conducted on its use. Researchers introduced the tool to 20 occupational therapists with relevant experience and conducted an online survey of their perceptions about The Sensory Form. Findings were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Therapists reported that they found the tool acceptable for use, described key strengths and weaknesses of The Sensory Form, and outlined changes to improve the tool. The Sensory Form may have an application in guiding the practice of therapists supporting children with sensory processing differences. Further development of associated resources may be warranted.
| S-EPMC7068139 | biostudies-literature