Canadian physiotherapy research and evidence-based practice initiative in the 1990s

Abstract

Evidence-based practice is critical to our professional survival in times of reduced and competing healthcare funding. The purpose of this review paper is to describe physiotherapy research activities in the universities and in clinical practice in Canada, and to elaborate upon the evidence-based practice initiatives facilitated by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). First the undergraduate curriculum recommendations to encourage reflective practitioners are described, an overview of graduate education and academic research programmes is presented, and the status of clinical research is discussed. Finally, the role of CPA and its initiatives to facilitate and support evidence-based physiotherapy practice are summarized. Two of the significant challenges for continued development of physiotherapy research in Canada are to firmly establish evidence-based practice and to foster a highly regarded physiotherapy scientific commmuity.

Keywords:

• PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH
• EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE