Attitudes, utilization, and barriers regarding evidence-based practice among speech-language pathologists in Korea

Abstract

Objectives: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a process of making decisions about how to give speech and language services to people with communication disorders. As a basic study of EBP for speech-language pathologists (SLP), this study was aimed at examining SLPs' attitudes toward EBP, information about use in clinical decision-making, and perceived barriers to EBP. Methods: A total of 234 speech language pathologists responded to a questionnaire exploring EBP. T-test, one-way ANOVA, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Positive attitudes toward EBP were reported. Attitudes were correlated with exposure to research and EBP practice during undergraduate and graduate training and clinical fellowship years (CFY). Clinical experience was used to guide decision-making more frequently than research studies. Exposure to research and EBP during the CFY, clinical experience, job satisfaction, and certification class predicted the use of evidence-based resources. Respondents did not report high potential barriers to using EBP. But a lack of quantity and quality of studies was perceived as a relative barrier to EBP. Conclusion: While positive attitudes toward EBP were reported, clinical experience was used to guide decision making more frequently than research studies. A lack of quantity and quality of research was perceived as a relative barrier to EBP.