EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN A LOW RESOURCE SETTING: PERSPECTIVES AND EXPERIENCES OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Rationale, aims and objectives: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an important tool for facilitating the uptake of research findings in physiotherapy. It is the best way in which clinicians can meet the ethical imperative of providing the best available care for patients. Translation of evidence into practice requires training, resources and commitment by health care professionals as well as policy formulation and implementation. This study explored the perspectives and experiences of physiotherapists regarding evidence-based practice in Nigeria Methods: The study utilized an exploratory qualitative design. Twenty-seven physiotherapists from seven selected public hospitals in Nigeria were purposively selected for the study. Four sessions of Focus Group Discussions were conducted with six to eight participants in each session at three different hospitals. A developed focus guide was used during the focus group discussions. An individual knowledgeable in the techniques of focus group discussion moderated the FGDs. Data collected were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content thematic analysis. Results: A total of five themes and twelve sub-themes emerged from the study. The themes are knowledge /understanding of evidence-based practice, access to evidence, experiences in implementation of evidence based practice, perceived challenges and possible solutions for evidence translation. Some of the participants with postgraduate degrees and recent graduates of Physiotherapy had fair knowledge of evidence-based practice. Participants experienced difficulties accessing and implementing evidence; some of which were personal and other challenges were context specific Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Nigeria have fair knowledge of evidence-based practice but lack adequate skill, resources and policy for evidence-based practice implementation. Poor remuneration and high workload are serious challenges, which will not encourage implementation of evidence-based practice even when skills and resources are available. There is need for context specific solutions through the government policy and Physiotherapy regulatory board for effective implementation of evidence based practice in Nigeria