Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice and Burnout Among Occupational Therapists: The Role of Self-Efficacy

Importance: Implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential for ensuring optimal quality care and obtaining positive outcome in treatment. Occupational therapists generally hold positive attitudes toward EBP; however, EBP is not always fully implemented. Objective: To explore the mediating role of self-efficacy on the relationship between implementing EBP and burnout among occupational therapists. Design: A cross sectional study. Setting: Data were collected through social media and WhatsApp groups using an online survey accessible through Qualtrics, a secured web-based data collection system; responses were anonymous. Participants: The final sample consisted of 261 female Israeli occupational therapists (ages 24–65 yr, with 1–40 yr of clinical experience). Outcomes and Measures: The following questionnaires assessed EBP implementation, burnout, and self-efficacy, respectively: the EBP Implementation Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Occupational Therapy Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Demographic data were also collected. Results: EBP implementation was low (0-43 points out of a maximum 72 points), moderate levels of burnout and high levels of self-efficacy were reported. Significant associations with medium effect sizes were found between EBP implementation and burnout: the higher the levels of EBP implementation, the lower the levels of burnout frequency and intensity. Moreover, self-efficacy mediated these relationships. EBP implementation was related to elevated self-efficacy, which, in turn, was associated with lower burnout. Conclusions and Relevance: EBP implementation may serve as an important tool to limit burnout among occupational therapists by fostering their trust in their ability to handle clinical challenges. Further research is needed. Plain-Language Summary: This study explored implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) and its relationships to burnout and work-related self-efficacy among occupational therapists. The study found that self-efficacy mediated the relationships between implementing EBP and burnout. Implementing EBP was associated with higher self-efficacy, which, in turn, was associated with lower burnout among occupational therapists.