P06.09
Purpose: This study was designed for two purposes: 1) To gather information about the barriers to dissemination and implementation of research evidence within the chiropractic profession. 2) To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of using an online educational program to improve the attitudes and skills of chiropractors about and research evidence.
Methods: This study employed two methods: 1) An online national survey of the chiropractic profession using a validated instrument called the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude and Utilization Survey (E-BASE). The E-BASE has three subscores: Attitudes, Skills, and Use of evidence in clinical practice. 2) A prospective randomized wait-list controlled trial with two parallel arms. Group 1 was exposed to a series of online educational modules about research and evidence informed practice while Group 2 was placed on a 6-month wait list. Both Groups are being retested with the E-BASE instrument at 6-month for comparison. Feasibility is being assessed by tracking adherence and completion rates of the online educational modules, as well as the technical issues associated with online education.
Results: 1) The online survey was completed by 1,378 chiropractors from around the U.S. with good geographic and demographic diversity. The E-BASE subscores were highest for “attitudes” and lowest for “use” of research evidence in clinical practice. 2) Completion rate for the structured online program with Group 1 was slightly greater than 55%. Technical issues were minimal and feedback from most participants has been positive. The post online-education E-BASE scores for Group 1 will be compared with Group 2 in mid-November 2013.
Conclusion: We have surveyed almost 1400 chiropractors about their attitudes, self-perceived skills and use of research evidence in clinical practice. We are successfully implementing an online educational program about evidence informed practice for chiropractors, which we believe has the potential to be implemented with other CAM professions. NCCAM Grant: 1R21AT007547-01
Contact: Michael Schneider, mjs5@pitt.edu
