HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: ptj.20080249v1 89/6/556    most recent Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Rapid Responses are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Salbach, N. M. Articles by Jaglal, S. B. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Salbach, N. M. Articles by Jaglal, S. B. Social Bookmarking                      What's this?

Physical Therapists' Experiences Updating the Clinical Management of Walking Rehabilitation After Stroke: A Qualitative Study

N.M. Salbach, PT, PhD, is Assistant Professor and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario Clinician Scientist, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V7 Canada.
P. Veinot, MHSc, is Research Consultant, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
S. Rappolt, OT, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
M. Bayley, MD, FRCPC, is Associate Professor, Division of Psychiatry, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
D. Burnett, PT, PhD, is Research Coordinator, Interprofessional Rehabilitation University Clinic in Primary Health Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
M. Judd, PT, MSc, is Senior Program Officer, Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
S.B. Jaglal, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.

nancy.salbach{at}utoronto.ca

Background: Little is known about physical therapists' experiences using research evidence to improve the delivery of stroke rehabilitation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore how physical therapists use research evidence to update the clinical management of walking rehabilitation after stroke. Specific objectives were to identify physical therapists' clinical questions related to walking rehabilitation, sources of information sought to address these questions, and factors influencing the incorporation of research evidence into practice.

Design and Methods: Two authors conducted in-depth telephone interviews with 23 physical therapists who treat people with stroke and who had participated in a previous survey on evidence-based practice. Data were analyzed with a constant comparative approach to identify emerging themes.

Results: Therapists commonly raised questions about the selection of treatments or outcome measures. Therapists relied foremost on peers for information because of their availability, ease of access, and minimal cost. Participants sought information from research literature themselves or with the help of librarians or students. Research syntheses (eg, systematic reviews) enabled access to a body of research. Older therapists described insufficient computer and search skills. Most participants considered appraisal and application of research findings challenging and identified insufficient time and peer isolation as organizational barriers to the use of research.

Conclusions: Physical therapists require efficient access to research syntheses primarily to inform the measurement and treatment of walking limitation after stroke. Continuing education is needed to enhance skills in appraising research findings and applying them to practice. Older therapists require additional training to develop computer and search skills. Peer networks and student internships may optimize the exchange of new knowledge for therapists working in isolation.

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				N. M. Salbach, S. J.T. Guilcher, S. B. Jaglal, and D. A. Davis Factors Influencing Information Seeking by Physical Therapists Providing Stroke Management Physical Therapy, October 1, 2009; 89(10): 1039 - 1050. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]