Course Description

Evidence-Based Practice Methods and Application

This course is designed to develop occupational therapists’ skills, knowledge and resources to implement evidence-based practice in clinical settings as well as guide and support knowledge translation in organizations or peer groups. Students will learn how to develop a searchable question, identify potential sources of evidence, and then utilize effective strategies to locate the available evidence. Skills for critical appraisal of the evidence, interpreting the findings, and identifying applicability to specific clinical contexts (clients and populations) will be developed and practiced using case scenarios and clinical examples. Students will learn how knowledge is translated into practice from individual and organizational levels and identify effective methods to facilitate this translation, including identifying and overcoming barriers.

Purpose:

Course teaches the advanced skills to be a knowledgeable consumer and translator of evidence, including being able to integrate evidence, client’s preferences, and context for best practice. Students will gain skills to efficiently: 1) formulate clinical question, 2) search for evidence, 3) appraise research, and 4) apply findings to client/population. Students will access and interpret information from systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines to all areas of practice. Course will also cover methodology and tools for conducting systematic reviews and identifying and overcoming barriers to knowledge translation.