How to Use Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy
In healthcare, where every decision can impact a patient’s quality of life, evidence-based practice (EBP) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a cornerstone of modern, high-quality care. It’s a framework that drives better outcomes, sharper decision-making, and truly patient-centered approaches. By combining the best available research, your clinical expertise, and patient values, EBP equips you to deliver interventions that are both effective and meaningful.
As occupational therapists, our goal is to use research and documented data to provide patient-centered interventions that help our patients achieve their goals.1 But how can we integrate this effectively? This article explores the strengths and limitations of evidence-based practice, while offering actionable strategies to make EBP easier to incorporate into your practice.
What is evidence-based practice?
Evidence-based practice is an approach to clinical decision-making that combines:
- The best available research evidence.
- Clinical expertise.
- Patient values and preferences.
By bringing these three areas together, EBP helps you be an effective occupational therapist, ensuring you meet the individual needs of your patients. This often means applying research-backed interventions while adapting them to be meaningful and achievable for each patient, and using your own professional experience to optimize outcomes.
For example, combining research on neuroplasticity, your clinical expertise in adaptive tools, and a patient’s personal goals can help you craft a therapy plan that fosters engagement and addresses their unique needs. This is why EBP is more than a framework—it’s a pathway to patient-centered care.
Benefits of evidence-based practice
Here are some ways EBP can elevate your practice and improve client outcomes:
1. Achieving client goals faster
By basing interventions on well-supported evidence, you can increase the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes for your clients. EBP allows you to guide interventions that have been proven effective while considering the client’s specific needs and wants, which increases the chance of hitting their goals.
For example, in occupational therapy, research-backed sensory integration therapy can support children with autism in developing motor and sensory-processing skills. This approach may help them achieve developmental milestones, such as improving their ability to focus during tasks or engage in social interactions more efficiently and with measurable progress.
2. Informed decision-making
Evidence-based practice also provides a framework for guiding treatment, reducing guesswork on types of interventions to try. When evaluating a client’s need for an adaptive device, you can use evidence-based assessments to select the most effective equipment. This process ensures a “best fit” by combining research findings with the client’s specific needs and your clinical insights.
3. Continuous professional development
Engaging with evidence-based practice keeps you up to date with the latest advancements in research and intervention ideas. This, in turn, builds confidence and credibility, as you can justify your clinical decisions with research-backed rationale. By staying informed about new research, you position yourself as a thought leader, capable of providing cutting-edge care that builds trust with your clients and colleagues.
4. Individualized care
EBP encourages a deeper focus on each client’s unique values, what is important to them, and their individual goals. For example, if evidence suggests that exercise routines can improve strength for a client with arthritis, but the client prefers water-based activities, you can adapt the recommendation accordingly to support client engagement and increased participation.
Challenges in implementing evidence-based practice
We all know great ideas can come with challenges, and implementing EBP is no exception. Here are some barriers you might encounter, along with ideas on how to overcome them:
Time constraints
Finding, reading, and applying current research can be time-consuming. Many of us juggle large caseloads, making it difficult to dedicate time to evidence-based practice activities.2
To address this, leverage technology to streamline the process. Use research summary tools or OT-specific evidence trackers that quickly distill key takeaways from studies. Additionally, set small, achievable goals, like incorporating one new research-backed technique per month, to make implementation less overwhelming.
Limited access to research
In some settings, you may not have easy access to academic journals, databases, or libraries, making it challenging to stay current with emerging research.3
To work around limited access, partner with local universities, libraries, or professional associations that often provide free or discounted access to research databases. You can also explore public research initiatives or subscribe to research newsletters that summarize evidence without paywalls.
Knowledge gaps
Not all occupational therapists feel confident incorporating evidence-based practice into their daily work.2 This might include challenges in distinguishing high-quality studies from less reliable ones, making the EBP process feel overwhelming.
In those cases, build confidence by starting with systematic reviews or clinical guidelines, which synthesize high-quality evidence into actionable insights. Collaborate with colleagues who are well-versed in EBP to discuss cases or shadow their application of evidence in practice.
Workplace culture
In some workplaces, the culture may not emphasize or prioritize EBP, and you may face resistance when trying to implement new research-based practices. Without EBP, interventions might not yield the desired outcomes, leading to frustration for both you and your patients.
To create change, identify a small team of like-minded colleagues who value EBP and work together to demonstrate its impact through pilot projects or case successes. Present outcomes to leadership as data-driven evidence of the benefits of EBP to build support for its broader adoption.
Strategies to bring EBP into your practice
Evidence-based practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with small, manageable steps and leveraging available resources, you can build confidence and integrate EBP effectively.
In order to feel more comfortable and confident in using evidence-based practice, try some of these strategies:
Invest in professional development
Continuing education is key to staying up to date on the latest EBP methods. On-demand video courses, live webinars, and even podcasts can strengthen your evidence-based clinical skills.
These resources can cover a wide range of topics, from professional issues and clinical applications to advanced treatment strategies. They provide actionable techniques that you can immediately implement with clients, inspire new approaches to everyday challenges, and spark ideas for innovation in your practice. Investing in your education equips you with the tools to address complex client needs with confidence.
Set realistic EBP goals
Implementing evidence-based practice does not have to be overwhelming. Begin by focusing on one specific area that you would like to learn more about and commit to finding the research or resources. Gradually incorporating EBP can make it more manageable and sustainable.
Consider starting with interventions that align closely with the types of patients you see most often. For example, if you frequently work with patients recovering from strokes, prioritize exploring evidence-based strategies for neurorehabilitation. Break larger goals into smaller steps, such as identifying one study to review each week or testing a single new technique in your practice. Setting incremental goals not only builds confidence but also allows you to see tangible improvements, reinforcing the value of EBP in your daily work.
Utilize evidence-based resources and tools
Tap into available clinical guidelines, treatments, and reputable OT resources to guide your practice. Memberships like the OT Accelerator offer OT-specific resources for occupational therapy practitioners working with older adults, providing easy access to current research, up-to-date treatment interventions, documentation, and support—saving time and simplifying the EBP process.
Join online communities and platforms
Participate in online communities, such as:
- OT-focused Facebook groups
- AOTA’s Communities of Practice
- Local occupational therapy meetups
- State, national, and international occupational therapy associations and online forums
These are places both occupational therapy practitioners and students can discuss challenges, share evidence-based resources, and seek guidance from peers. Being part of an active community can provide motivation, support, and insights into the latest EBP trends.
Engage in collaborative work
Regular team discussions on recent studies and interventions through monthly “Lunch and Learns” or interdisciplinary coworker collaborations can foster a culture of EBP in the workplace. Consider assigning roles during these discussions, such as a facilitator, a researcher to summarize findings, and a clinician to present practical applications. This structured approach ensures everyone contributes while making the sessions more engaging and productive.
Additionally, collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines—such as physical therapists or speech-language pathologists—can provide fresh perspectives and broaden your understanding of how evidence-based interventions can be applied across different aspects of patient care. By working together, you create an environment where learning and innovation thrive, ultimately improving outcomes for your clients.
Elevating care through evidence-based practice
Incorporating evidence-based practice into occupational therapy not only leads to better outcomes for your clients but also fosters your growth as a practitioner. By using research-backed interventions tailored to individual needs, you can provide care that is both effective and meaningful while staying confident in your clinical decisions.
Staying up to date with emerging research, engaging in professional development, and collaborating with colleagues are all practical ways to integrate EBP into your work. As you adopt these strategies, you’ll not only enhance your skills but also contribute to the advancement of the occupational therapy profession, ensuring high-quality care for years to come.
References
- Brown, T. (2023). The Need for Occupational Therapy Evidence-Based Education. Occupational Therapy In Health Care, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2023.2288676
- DeCleene Huber, K. E., Nichols, A., Bowman, K., Hershberger, J., Marquis, J., Murphy, T., Pierce, C., & Sanders, C. (2015). The Correlation between Confidence and Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practice among Occupational Therapy Students. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1142
- Kinney AR, Stearns-Yoder KA, Hoffberg AS, Middleton A, Weaver JA, Roseen EJ, Juckett LA, Brenner LA. Barriers and Facilitators to the Adoption of Evidence-Based Interventions for Adults Within Occupational and Physical Therapy Practice Settings: A Systematic Review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023 Jul;104(7):1132-1151. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.03.005.
