A national cross-sectional survey of the attitudes, skills and use of evidence-based practice amongst Spanish osteopaths

Abstract Background Although evidence-based practice (EBP) is largely supported across healthcare professions, its implementation in manual therapy professions such as osteopathy remains limited and debated. There currently little knowledge of how Spanish osteopaths relate to EBP. Objectives The main aim this study was investigate the attitudes, skills use EBP among osteopaths. A secondary identify barriers facilitators for adoption osteopathic context. Methods National cross-sectional survey registered non-registered an association Spain. Eligible participants were invited by a range recruitment strategies including email social media campaigns complete Spanish-translated Evidence-Based Attitude utilization Survey (EBASE) anonymously online. Results total 567 completed which represents approximate response rate 9%. Participant’s attitudes toward positive. Most respondents agreed or strongly that necessary (89.6%) professional literature research findings useful their day-to-day (88.9%). Levels perceived skill reported low moderate with lowest levels items related ‘research conduct’. Except reading/reviewing using online search engines find practice-related literature, participant engagement all other EBP-related activities generally infrequent. proportion clinical based on evidence be very small. Main uptake included lack insufficient applying findings. access full-text articles, internet at workplace databases. Conclusions supportive practice, had engaged infrequently. Formal regulation profession Spain inclusion programs into university sector would potentially improve use.