Knowledge, attitude and implementation of evidence-based practice among physiotherapists working in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia : a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and implementation of evidence-based practice among physiotherapists working in Saudi Arabia. A sample of physiotherapists working in various outpatient settings in Saudi Arabia participated in this survey. Sixty-four therapists (30 females, 34 males) completed a 28-item survey questionnaire. Approximately half of the participants indicated that evidence-based practice was useful and important for clinical practice. About 60% of the participants reported that they have adopted the evidence-based practice on a regular basis. Participants who had a membership in a physiotherapy organization and had advanced degrees showed more positive attitudes (t = -2.31,p= 0.02 and t = -2.15,p= 0.04, respectively) and greater levels of knowledge (t = -2.32,p= 0.02 and t = -3.86,p= 0.001, respectively) regarding evidence-based practice terminology. Furthermore, place of training (trained overseas) was associated with a positive attitude towards literature findings (t = 2.26,p= 0.03). The results of this study demonstrated that participants reported that evidence-based practice had not been extensively implemented, despite positive attitudes regarding its implementation among physiotherapists practicing in Saudi Arabia.