Evidence-based-practice profile among physiotherapists: a cross-sectional survey in France

Abstract

Purpose

To establish an inventory of the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) among physiotherapists (PT) in France assessing EBP knowledge, perception, and utilisation in practice.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was performed using a French translation of the EBP² questionnaire including the 5 EBP domains (Relevance, Terminology, Confidence, Practice and Sympathy). Participants completed the online survey from February 26th to August 31st, 2021. Scores were summarised by EBP domain for each participant. Pairwise Pearson’s correlations between domains scores and a hierarchical clustering on principal component analysis were conducted.

Results

In total, 542 participants were included in the analysis. Majority of participants were male with median age of 30 years (IQR: 26–36 years). Regarding EBP domain scores, PT perceived relevance of EBP but had difficulty to apply it in practice. Furthermore, positive correlations exist between the 5 domains. Participants were divided into three clusters. Those reporting poor scientific analysis skills and high barriers were older, less graduated, less trained in EBP and graduated earlier.

Conclusion

French PT perceived research to be important in their current practice and had a favourable opinion of EBP. However, they reported a lack of confidence, difficulty to understand terminology and to use it in practice. These findings and their profiles may help to improve PT’s EBP education in France.

Keywords:

• Evidence-based practice
• physical therapists
• barriers
• education

Acknowledgements

KINESPORT would like to acknowledge all participants for their time and their implication.

Disclosure of interest

All co-authors were employed by KINESPORT at the time of this study. BA, LX, SG and VG, sports scientists, were involved in the development of the survey, its communication, and data collection, before the creation of the research department in September 2021.

Then, RP, FV and LN from the research department were involved in the data analyses and writing the manuscript.