Investigating behavior, attitudes, knowledge, awareness and barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practice by physiotherapists in Egypt: A cross sectional study

Few studies exist regarding the attitudes and behaviours of Egyptian physiotherapists in relation to the use of evidence in practice (EBP). The purpose of this study was to describe the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours of Egyptian physical therapists as they relate to evidence-based practice. It also explores their perception of possible barriers to implement EBP. Four hundred and seventy Egyptian therapists responded to our questionnaire with results revealing participants' awareness towards EBP was quite diverse. Only terms of systematic review and randomized controlled trial were well understood while remaining terms showed various level of comprehension which were rather low. Results also revealed significant correlations between attitudes towards EBP and overall awareness as well as attitudes and knowledge (r = 0.270 and 0.107) respectively. In addition, a significant relationship was also found between EBP awareness and knowledge with (r = 0.219). With regards to the barriers, insufficient teaching in previous education was identified as the primary barrier (34.4 %), followed by lack of funding and resources (31.1 %), while lack of time (10.2 %) was reported as the least. These barriers highlight the need to enhance implementation of EBP within Egyptian Physiotherapists. Findings of this study can be used as a foundation for the implementation of EBP in various clinical settings by understanding the limitations and barriers reported. Our study concluded that despite Egyptian physiotherapists declare their awareness of EBP, nevertheless, knowledge is restricted to a small number of terms. More focus is required to enhance the knowledge and practice of EBP. Focusing on adjustable factors, including increasing the awareness of value of research would help reduce time and resource demands for physiotherapists when implementing EBP.