Research Based Practice Among Members of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association

Author

Sarah M. Bennett, Grand Valley State University
James D. Courter, Grand Valley State University
Rachel E. Hastings, Grand Valley State University

Date Approved

1999

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Physical Therapy (M.S.)

Degree Program

Physical Therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which research based practice (RBP) is employed by Michigan Physical Therapy Association Members by assessing attitudes toward research, level of research involvement/scholarly pursuit, and reasons for using or not using treatment interventions.

Three hundred and thirty questionnaires were distributed by mail to a random sample of Michigan Physical Therapy Association Members. A total of 133 questionnaires were used for analysis. Descriptive frequencies were calculated for each section of the questionnaire. Chi-square and Fischer's Exact tests were used to examine significant relationships.

Respondents in the present study overwhelmingly supported (~90%) that clinical research should guide physical therapy practice and that the use of clinical research findings will improve the quality of physical therapy care. Results indicate that research based practice is being employed to some extent.

Comments

Questions or concerns regarding the copyright status of this item may be directed to scholarworks@gvsu.edu.

ScholarWorks Citation

Bennett, Sarah M.; Courter, James D.; and Hastings, Rachel E., "Research Based Practice Among Members of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association" (1999). Masters Theses. 486.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/486