Evidence-Based Reflection

Through the program evidence-based practice has been often highlighted as an important
component and driving force for occupational therapy practice. It is important for our profession
as part of a health care team to utilize clinically-relevant research when responding to our clients
needs. In addition, with our generations increase in technological advancement, research is even
more critically important to advancing occupational therapy and to ensure the professions job
security. Therefore, evidence-based practice continuous to be implemented throughout our
curriculum to help students understand the importance of evidence-based practice, how to
conduct our own research, and how to utilize research. In return, increase knowledge in
evidence-based practice will provide an improvement in research quality and quantity in the field
of occupational therapy.
Coursework that have improved my knowledge and understanding of evidence-based
practice were assignments that included utilization of research articles to support intervention
plans and projects where I had to conduct my own research. The research courses, such as the
systematic review, introduction to quantitative research, and qualitative research were all great
courses that have helped me understand commonly used evidence-based practice approaches.
Specifically, the systematic review assignment helped me understand how to look for quality
research articles and how to comprehend the results in order to determine the effectiveness of an
intervention approach. In addition, quantitative research has increased my knowledge on
analyzing statistical results through collection of objective data. Qualitative research has helped
me gain an understanding of exploratory research through opinions, motivations, and ideas of
participants.

Although, these courses only provided an introduction to research, it provided me with a

foundation towards understanding and utilizing evidence-based practice. As a future
occupational therapist, I have learned the importance of utilizing evidence-based practice to
guide clinical decision making and intervention planning, advocate for the value of occupational
therapy, and continue to stimulate my growing knowledge through participation in education
programs.