Health care professionals' attitudes towards evidence based medicine in the workers compensation setting: a cohort study

Executive Summary The aims of the current study are twofold: to explore health care professionals' attitudes to evidence based medicine (EBM), also called evidence based healthcare in general, and their attitudes to an EBM tool [name censored] to be applied specifically in a workers' compensation setting. The study had two components. First, a validated questionnaire was used to obtain specific information about practitioners' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding EBM. Second, detailed interviews were conducted that were transcribed and coded, to identify themes about EBM in general and with reference to its application in workers' compensation. Two hundred and thirty one health care practitioners (medical and non-medical) completed the on-line questionnaire and fifteen practitioners completed the detailed interview. Questionnaire findings Practitioners (n=231) from a wide range of relevant professional backgrounds participated in the study. Generally they were very experienced and most provided services to injured workers. They work in a variety of geographic regions and were split between public and private practice. Participants reported that 76% of their clinical practice was evidence based. They indicated to be well aware of the evidence-base in their field, they also felt confident and motivated to perform and adopt evidence-based practices. Health care practitioners perceived more difficulties around applying EBM. General practitioners were the professional group that reported greatest obstacles to applying EBM, although it should be noted that the number of