Biomedical subjects

Janet Craik

Publications and source records attributed to Janet Craik.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Enhancing research use through online action research.

BACKGROUND: Many health professionals, including occupational therapists, have difficulty utilizing research findings in daily practice. PURPOSE: To determine if an online action research project could enhance research use among occupational therapists working in similar practice areas. METHODS: Four groups of 12-14 occupational therapists met online for approximately one year. They discussed barriers and facilitators to research utilization, defined practice questions, and attempted to search for, synthesize and apply relevant research findings. Online communications and post-group interviews were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: Only half of the participants who began the project were still online with the research project at completion. These participants believed that their involvement in the group led to increased personal awareness, motivation and confidence regarding the use of research evidence in practice and knowledge to be used in practice. Time to review, critique and synthesize research evidence continued to be a major barrier to enhanced research utilization. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Online meetings designed to enhance research use among occupational therapists appear to hold some promise, but refinements are needed to ensure their ultimate success.

Biomedical Research↗

PubMed2003

Theory of research utilization enhancement: a model for occupational therapy.

BACKGROUND: There is a pressing need for occupational therapists to provide research-based practice, yet there is little understanding of the specific strategies and processes individual practitioners use to integrate research evidence into their clinical practice. METHOD: Using grounded theory method, the self-reported research utilization strategies of a sample of 11 elite occupational therapists practicing in adult stroke rehabilitation were examined. The triangulation of the interview data, the organizational policies of their workplaces, and existing theoretical concepts and processes of research utilization resulted in the development of a theory and a practice model to guide research utilization in occupational therapy. RESULTS: The Theory of Research Utilization Enhancement for Occupational Therapists, and the Model of Research Utilization in Occupational Therapy are presented, and their implications for practice, policy, education and future research are discussed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Built upon the Occupational Performance Process Model, the theory and model are proposed as guides to enhance therapists' ability to maintain a client-centred approach while informing clinical practices with research evidence. The application of structured reflection, case application and peer consultation facilitate the integration of research evidence into clinical practices.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Enhancing research utilization capacity through multifaceted professional development.

Some occupational therapists report that they do not feel adequately prepared to perform the arduous tasks involved in integrating research into their practice. To explore how research utilization can be conducted by practicing clinicians, self-reported research utilization behaviors of a sample of 11 occupational therapists practicing in adult stroke rehabilitation were analyzed. The constant comparison of the interview data revealed that participants' clinical experiences, engagement in continuing education, involvement in research activities, and their mentoring of students contributed to their capacity to translate research evidence into practice. The results of the study suggest a model for enhancing research utilization capacity through professional development. Implications for practitioners, provider organizations, educators, and regulators of occupational therapy are discussed.

Adult↗