Determining the knowledge, attitudes and frequency of use of final year health care students in implementing evidence-based practice.

Introduction: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for delivering optimal client care. Although healthcare sciences students, including occupational therapy students at the University of Pretoria, receive the same evidence-based practice training, their attitudes, knowledge, skills and practices in EBP remain mostly unknown. Determining these aspects in final-year students is important as it may impact their future practice. Methods: A non-experimental cross-sectional study was conducted using the Student Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire. The survey was electronically distributed and completed by 50 final-year healthcare sciences students. Data analysis was performed using measures of central tendency. Results and Discussion: Participants have positive attitudes related to the implementation of evidence-based practice. However, gaps in practice remain. Students rate their evidence-based practice knowledge as “average”, which may impact their practice after graduation. Students report that they are more skilled in certain steps of EBP than others. Conclusion: The survey results can be used to strengthen evidence-based practice training for healthcare sciences students, potentially improving their ability to implement evidence-based practice after graduation. Several identified barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practice may be overcome through more purposeful training. Implications for practice Positive attitudes towards EBP do not necessarily translate into increased practice and skills in EBP. Educators should be aware of the challenges students experience with the different steps of EBP. Training of healthcare science students should be developed to include all five steps of EBP. Educating students on how to effectively use resources provided by their institutions can improve the evidence they find and apply.