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Research in Physical Therapy: Philosophy, Barriers to Involvement, and Use Among California Physical Therapists

Ms. Ballin was a candidate for the Masters of Arts degree at the Division of Physical Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, when this study was done. She is now Staff Physical Therapist, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, 27400 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 (USA).
Mr. Breslin was a candidate for the Masters of Arts degree at the Division of Physical Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, when this study was done. He is now Staff Physical Therapist, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Hayward, CA (USA).
Mrs. Wierenga was a candidate for the Masters of Arts degree at the Division of Physical Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, when this study was done. She is now Staff Physical Therapist, University of California Irvine Medical Center, 101 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92668 (USA).
Dr. Shepard is Assistant Professor, Division of Physical Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University.

This study was designed to 1) determine the importance of research in physical therapy to professional physical therapists; 2) assess the factors impeding their involvement in research; and 3) examine the extent to which therapists use published research. The study was conducted in two parts, a series of personal interviews and a questionnaire developed from the results of the interviews. The sample for the interviews was drawn from the population of Santa Clara County, California, and the questionnaires were mailed to a random distribution of 300 physical therapists throughout the State of California. Lack of time and funding as well as unfamiliarity with both the research process and the use of statistics were cited as the main barriers to research involvement. Collaboration with other health professionals involved in research and in apprenticeships were listed as desirable methods to gain additional research skills; however, these were believed to be largely unavailable. A large percentage of therapists used research information published in professional journals other than PHYSICAL THERAPY.

Key Words: Attitude of health personnel • Research

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. H Connolly, N. S Lupinnaci, and A. J Bush Changes in Attitudes and Perceptions About Research in Physical Therapy Among Professional Physical Therapist Students and New Graduates Physical Therapy, May 1, 2001; 81(5): 1127 - 1134. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]