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Session
ePoster Viewing
Presenter
Pak Yan, Kelvin Leung

Enhancing Evidence-based Practice in Occupational Therapy Department: The Flipped Journal Club

Pak Yan, Kelvin Leung1, Shek Kin LAI2, Chiu Yeung HO3, Clement Chan4, Esther Lau5, Yik Hang Chan1

1 Hospital Authority, Hong Kong

2 Occupational Therapy Department, Castle Peak Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong

3 Castle Peak Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong

4 Occupational Therapy Department, Castle Peak Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong

5 Hong Kong Hospital Authority, Hong Kong

Introduction / Rationale: Journal club is a crucial mechanism to promote evidence-based practice (EBP). It aims to:

  1. Promote culture of EBP and awareness on latest research findings;
  2. Enhance therapists’ ability to critique / appraise literature;
  3. Utilize research findings in daily practice to improve patient outcomes

Objectives:

  1. To promote participation in journal clubs;
  2. To improve practice, attitude, knowledge / skills associated to EBP

Methods / Approach: The format of journal club was modified according to the “flipped” approach:

  1. Develop two critical appraisal forms (validation studies and randomized controlled trial);
  2. Set up guidelines for article selection and circulation;
  3. Recruit moderators to facilitate critical appraisal and discussion;
  4. Provide guiding questions and supplementary information to guide reciprocal learning through small group discussions

The effect of “Flipped journal club” was evaluated by the changes in attendance rate; and the scores of Evidence-based practice questionnaire (EBPQ), a 24-item standardized questionnaire developed to measure health professionals’ attitude towards, knowledge of, and use of EBP. The pre- and post-score of EBPQ was compared by paired t-test. Missing data was handled by listwise deletion and p-value of <0.05 was adopted for statistical significance.

Results / Practice Implications: Nine flipped journal clubs were organized from March 2021 to November 2022. A total of 63 occupational therapists participated and the average attendance rate improved from 87.4% to 91.9%. Statistically significant improvements were showed in EBPQ scores including use of EBP (t(42)=7.5, p<0.001), attitude towards EBP (t(42)=3.3, p=0.002), and knowledge / skills of EBP (t(42)=8.9, p<0.001).

Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The “flipped” approach emphasizes active learning process, which increased participation, understanding and practice of EBP among therapists.