How do you build your confidence and capability to use research evidence ?
Nikki Daniels , RCOT Head of Communities and Connections , and Sarah Lawson , Senior Lecturer and PhD Student at Wrexham Glyndwr University , and co-author of The TRAMm Model , are carrying out a study to explore how occupational therapists build their confidence and capability to use research evidence within their area of professional practice .
Nikki told OTnews : ‘ We are really interested in knowing the types of activities occupational therapists engage in to help build their confidence and capability to use research evidence . We understand that occupational therapists have a diverse range of continuing professional development ( CPD ) needs when it comes to their skills of using evidence to inform their practice .
‘ This will depend on the confidence and capability they developed during their pre-registration studies , the learning and development opportunities available to them both in and outside the workplace and their motivation to engage in activities to develop their confidence and capability in the research pillar .’
Sarah adds : ‘ Previous studies suggest that occupational therapists report barriers to using research and this often relates to a lack of confidence and skills . But we don ’ t know if occupational therapists are actively identifying evidencebased practice skills as learning needs and engaging in activities that are helping them to meet their development objectives .
‘ We ’ re also not sure what approaches may be most effective . Having a better understanding of effective activities will help us to showcase examples of good practice , identify barriers and gaps and help inform planning of learning activities to support the professional development our occupational therapy workforce .’
Nikki and Sarah are inviting occupational therapists based in the UK to complete a survey so they can build a picture of the current culture associated with building our confidence and capability to use research evidence .
They are looking for responses to ensure voices are heard across our diverse workforce , in all four UK nations , all levels of practice and in a variety of practice , research , academic settings .
The survey asks you to identify your current levels of confidence across the different stages of evidence-based practice and report on activities you have engaged in to help build your confidence and capability .
Nikki says : ‘ Even if you haven ’ t identified a development need in this area , or you ’ ve identified a need and haven ’ t been able to meet that need , that ’ s really valuable insight for us .
‘ Responding to the questions will be a really good way for you to reflect on your current skills and knowledge , so you can think about completing the survey as a CPD activity in its own right .
‘ You can save the completed survey and reflect on your responses , to help you to plan your future development needs , or to evidence where you currently position yourself within the research pillar .’
We are really interested in knowing the types of activities occupational therapists engage in to help build their confidence and capability to use research evidence . We understand that occupational therapists have a diverse range of continuing professional development ( CPD ) needs when it comes to their skills of using evidence to inform their practice .”
Sarah and Nikki will also be conducting focus groups to explore this topic further . You can register your interest to take part in the focus groups at the end of the survey .
To complete the survey please follow the study twitter account @ OTEBP4CPD or email Sarah and Nikki on
otebp4cpd @ gmail . com .
New resources from the Parkinson ’ s Excellence Network support its audit results
Following the 2019 Audit report ( see page 8 ) the Parkinson ’ s Excellence Network has also launched a number of improvement projects .
The Better bone health national programme and the Bone Health Initiative can be found at https :// bit . ly / 42JPnWx . And the Therapist Induction Programme , which will run again in Autumn 2023 at https :// bit . ly / 3zda6Vn .
Additional resources for occupational therapists from Parkinson ’ s UK include Occupational therapy for people with Parkinson ’ s : Best practice guide , which is available at https :// bit . ly / 3FSldqg .
The Parkinson ’ s Excellence learning hub can be found at https :// bit . ly / 3TJf0CZ . The OT Parkinson ’ s network has monthly virtual gatherings @ OTParkinsonsNet https :// twitter . com / OTParkinsonsNet .
The OT referral menu was developed by the OT Parkinson ’ s Network and lists 30 common issues occupational therapist may cover . It is aimed at improving the quality of referrals to OTs , while in addition educating referrers to the diverse nature of occupational therapy . Visit https :// bit . ly / 3FW2Qkx .
56 OTnews April 2023