Changes in Physical Therapists' Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practice After Clinical Practice Guideline Training

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of an educational program that focused on supporting clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on physical therapists’ (PTs) attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP). Method: Two PTs from a university hospital were enrolled in this educational intervention, emphasizing the first four steps of the five-step EBP process: “Ask,” “Acquire,” “Appraise,” and “Apply.” We assessed their attitudes towards EBP using the Japanese version of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) at three-time intervals: before, immediately after, and two years after the program. Results: After the intervention, one PT demonstrated increased total EBPAS scores, indicating a more positive attitude towards EBP, whereas the other showed a decline in total scores. Despite these divergent trends, both PTs exhibited increased openness to new practices immediately after the intervention, which was maintained two years later. Conclusion: Educational programs that emphasize the integration of clinical practice guidelines into clinical settings can significantly influence PTs’ openness to new practices. Future research should examine the comprehensive impact of such programs on different attitudes toward EBP.