Affiliations: Centre d'Action en Prévention et Réadaptation
de l'Incapacité au Travail (CAPRIT), Longueuil Campus, Université de
Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada | Department of Psychology, Université de
Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Brigitte Vachon, PhD(c), OT, Centre
d'Action en Prévention et Réadaptation de l'Incapacité au Travail
(CAPRIT), Longueuil Campus, Université de Sherbrooke, 1111 Saint-Charles
W., Suite 101, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, J4K 5G4. Tel.: +1 450 466 5000, ext
3692; Fax: +1 450 674 5237; E-mail: bvachon@ohri.ca
Abstract: Objective: Occupational therapists (OTs) engage in continuing
education to integrate best available knowledge and skills into their practice.
However, many barriers influence the degree to which they are currently able to
integrate research evidence into their clinical decision making process. The
specific objectives were to explore the clinical decision-making processes they
used, and to describe the empowerment process they developed to become
evidence-based practitioners. Participants: Eight OTs, who had attended a
four-day workshop on evidence-based work rehabilitation, were recruited to
participate to a reflective practice group. Methods: A collaborative
research methodology was used. The group was convened for 12 meetings and held
during a 15-month period. The data collected was analyzed using the grounded
theory method. Results: The results revealed the different
decision-making modes used by OTs: defensive, repressed, cautious, autonomous
intuitive and autonomous thoughtful. These modes influenced utilization of
evidence and determined the stances taken toward practice change. Reflective
learning facilitated their utilization of an evidence-based practice model
through a three-level empowerment process: deliberateness, client-centeredness
and system mindedness. Conclusions: During the course of this study,
participants learned to become evidence-based practitioners. This process had
an impact on how they viewed their clients, their practice and the work
rehabilitation system.
Keywords: Work rehabilitation, evidence-based practice, occupational therapy, clinical reasoning, reflective practice, collaborative research
