Becoming evidence based practitioners: a study of final year occupational therapy students from University of Limerick.

Background: Evidence based practice (EBP) is an essential requirement of occupational therapists in practice today in order to support the efficacy of interventions and fulfil the ethical requirements of providing the best quality of care for patients (Cusick, 2001). There are many barriers to using EBP in clinical settings such as: lack of time, difficulty accessing journals, large caseloads and limited searching and appraisal skills (Bennett et al, 2003, Sweetland & Craik, 2001). Education needs to prepared students to overcome the challenges they will face applying EBP in the clinical setting. Methods: Qualitative case methodology was employed. One focus group interview was conducted with a convenience sample of 2 final year Occupational Therapy students. Semi structured interview questions were used to explore students’ views and behaviours towards EBP. Transcripts of the interview data were analysed using a thematic approach. Results: These themes were identified: 1) the Importance of EBP 2) Acquisition of EBP skills and knowledge 3) Barriers to future use of EBP 4) Collaboration to facilitate EBP. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the students understood the importance of EBP and were eager to use it. They felt well prepared and have acquired EBP skills in academic and clinical settings yet they perceived that there are significant challenges to implementing EBP in the work place. They suggested that fostering more of an ethos of collaboration and team work among students and practitioners will support the use of EBP in a more practical sustainable manner. These results may help guide education policies and curricula.