Enhancing Patient Care With Evidence-Based Practice in OT

Evidence-based practice (EBP) ensures that client care is grounded in the most current and robust scientific evidence. In occupational therapy (OT), practitioners align therapeutic interventions with the best available research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences.¹ Nearly 92% of OTs surveyed said implementing EBP supports better decision-making, which supports coordination with other specialists and elevates the overall standard of care within healthcare organizations.²  

Take the case of baby Riley, who was diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury, stemming from nerve damage during delivery.³ When she was just 10 days old, her parents noticed that she struggled to move her fingers and wrist. Under occupational therapy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), she made progress that gave her parents hope.³ However, by age six months, her arm movement remained limited, and an ultrasound revealed a dislocated shoulder joint. A revised treatment plan incorporated casting for joint repositioning and ongoing OT for arm strengthening.³ Soon, Riley was able to do daily tasks like clapping, feeding herself, and playing catch with the family dog.³

The success of Riley’s treatment underscores the importance of evidence-based practice in making informed patient care decisions using the latest research findings and clinical evidence for better patient outcomes. In this blog, we will explore EBP implementation, its transformative impact on patient safety and care, and future directions for the field.

What is Evidence-Based Practice?

Evidence-based medicine can be traced back to mid-19th century Paris, but David L. Sackett of McMaster University in Canada is credited with officially coining the term, evidence-based practice, in the 1990s.¹ The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) defines evidence-based practice as “the integration of critically appraised research results with the clinical expertise, and the client’s preferences, beliefs and values.”¹ In OT, therapists base their interventions on the latest research findings, ensuring that treatments are effective and tailored to individual needs.¹

Traditional OT practices often rely on established routines and practitioner experience, which, while valuable, may not always reflect the latest advancements in the field. EBP, on the other hand, encourages continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that occupational therapists remain at the forefront of new knowledge of therapeutic innovation.

The Role of Research in Evidence-Based Practice

While many OTs agree that evidence-based practice is vital to successful healthcare outcomes, only 52% of those participating in a Swedish study reported confidence in their ability to find relevant research addressing their clinical questions.² If you’re considering an OT degree program, ensure you have opportunities to conduct research and present findings while you're gaining experience in clinical practice.⁴ Learning how to successfully implement evidence-based practice in OT during clinical experiences means you will be better prepared to provide patients with tangible benefits once you're fully embedded in your own clinical practice. 

Common steps include steps during your research:^5,6

• Asking Clinical Questions: Define relevant clinical questions based on client dialogue, textbooks, or research to address intervention effectiveness and client outcomes
• Search the Literature: Use quantitative studies for effectiveness or qualitative research of client experiences to answer the question
• Critically Appraise Research: Assess the validity and clinical importance of research by examining methodology, potential biases, and the significance of results
• Apply Research to Practice: Integrate findings into clinical settings, considering client context, practice environment, and available resources
• Evaluate the Process: Reflect on the application of skills and strategies to improve proficiency and outcomes

Why is Evidence-Based Practice Important in Occupational Therapy?

Evidence-based practice is important in OT for several reasons. First, evidence-based interventions are proven to be more effective, leading to enhanced functional abilities, better quality of life, and greater patient satisfaction.² Additionally, implementing EBP fosters continuous professional development among OT practitioners, encouraging them to stay up-to-date with the latest research findings and incorporate new findings into their practice.^2,7  This commitment to ongoing learning and continuous quality improvement, not only benefits patients but also helps to elevate the OT profession.⁷

Using EBP as a framework for payer reimbursement could raise ethical concerns if it prioritizes cost-effectiveness over patient-centered care.⁷ Thus, practitioners must navigate this balance carefully to uphold ethical standards and develop interventions that will produce the best health outcomes.

How Evidence-Based Practice Helps Patients

Implementing evidence-based practice in occupational therapy significantly enhances patient care across diverse populations, from stroke survivors to children with autism. For instance, research demonstrates that task-oriented training, a common evidence-based practice intervention, markedly improves motor function and daily independence in stroke survivors.⁸ Similarly, evidence-based strategies like sensory integration therapy and social skills training have been shown to enhance social interactions and adaptive behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.⁹ These examples underscore the profound impact of EBP, showing how research-backed interventions lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

However, despite the importance of EBP, only a fraction of medical practices are based on high-quality evidence.⁸ 

Peter G. Levine, a clinician, researcher, and science communicator, says stroke survivors often trust the healthcare system during the initial recovery phases but later question the absence of any external evidence for certain effective treatments.⁸ As an OT, utilizing the latest research can help bridge these knowledge gaps. When patients ask, “Why do I need to do this?” you can confidently cite evidence supporting the treatment plan, reinforcing the value of EBP in delivering effective and informed care.⁸

Challenges and Future Directions in Evidence-Based Practice

If you’re an OT professional or currently an OT student, then you may have already faced some challenges in implementing best evidence-based practices. The gap between research and clinical expertise is one of many barriers. Others include:⁶

• Inaccessible Resources: Resources necessary for EBP can be difficult to find, especially in workplaces without access to resource libraries, professional memberships, and journal subscriptions
• Lack of Confidence: Not all OTs receive thorough training in finding and applying research, necessitating both resource access and skill development
• Limited Evidence: Occupational therapy research is still evolving, with limited evidence for many interventions complicating EBP implementation

With advanced education, OT practitioners can develop a culture of research and learning within the profession. This includes providing practitioners with the necessary resources and training to engage with evidence-based practices, as well as advocating for policies that support the integration of research and patient preferences into clinical practice. 

Looking forward, the future of EBP in OT will likely see increased use of technology and data analytics to streamline research dissemination and application, leading to the best possible patient outcomes and advancing healthcare quality.

Gain Personal Experience in Evidence-Based Practice With an Online DrOT Degree from Bradley

Understanding and implementing evidence-based practices is crucial for clinical decision-making in OT and increased confidence in your practice. Bradley University offers an online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this field. The program emphasizes the importance of EBP, providing comprehensive coursework and practical experiences that prepare you to lead and innovate in your practice. In a series of two courses you will be able to design your own research projects and make well-informed decisions By enrolling in Bradley University's OTD program, you will gain access to cutting-edge research studies, expert faculty, and an inclusive and supportive learning community. 

Take the next step in your professional journey and explore how Bradley University can help you make a significant impact on the lives of your patients through evidence-based practice. Contact an admission outreach advisor to learn more about how you can steer your career into new and exciting directions with a DrOT degree.