Development and Implementation of an Evidenced-Based Practice (EBP) Educational Program for a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Department

Objective: Describe the development and implementation of an evidence-based practice (EBP) training program for occupational and physical therapists in a large pediatric hospital.

Context: EBP is valued, but a known knowledge-to-practice gap between academic training and clinical practice limits routine use. This gap was addressed through an academic-clinical partnership to develop an EBP training program.

Results: Sixty-one therapists completed the program. Therapists demonstrated improved EBP skills, knowledge, and confidence following training and a positive trend in change score for clinical outcomes and decision-making scores was noted.

Conclusion: Academic-clinical partnerships have a unique and valuable role to support professional EBP knowledge and skill development. Stakeholder support and engagement supported program development, execution, and meaningful outcomes.

Impact statement: The knowledge-to-practice gap for EBP is a challenge to regular EBP use. The described program addressed this challenge and improved therapists' knowledge, skills, and confidence. It provides a model for professional development.