Physical therapists who use evidence-based practice integrate clinical experience with the use of research evidence in order to make clearly informed decisions to help maximize and optimize patient well being. Recently, a push for the use of evidence based medicine and evidence based practice patterns has permeated most health care disciplines.
The use of evidence based practice in physical therapy improves healthcare quality, reduces medical errors, helps balance known benefits and risks, challenges views based on beliefs rather than evidence, and helps to integrate patient preferences into decision making.
The American Physical Therapy Association 2020 Vision Statement reads that:
physical therapists and physical therapist assistants will render evidence-based services throughout the continuum of care and improve quality of life for our society.
This statement is in sharp contrast to what actually occurs in typical physical therapy practice. According to recent studies, 30‐40% of patients in physical therapy practices do not receive care according to current scientific evidence and about 20‐25% of care provided is not needed or is potentially harmful. It was also found that the basis for over 90% of a physical therapist's choice of treatment reflected what was taught during their initial training despite more recent research and outcomes findings presented in the medical literature
Here at EverStrong Physical Therapy, we pride ourselves in being an evidence-based practice. We are up-to-date on the latest findings and research in physical therapy, and we use that research as well as our clinical knowledge to best help our patients.
We continue to strive to learn new techniques and treatments through research and education in order to maximize our patients well being and success.
The evidence based practice procedures helps to:
make sure that all decisions made for patient care take into account "the best available evidence"
better plan and evaluate service delivery
better analyze research studies and direct those findings to better care
provide better patient information
better understand the reasons for lack of compliance by patients in relation to their physical therapy care
accurately gauge the relationship between patients and physical therapists and its effect on health-related outcomes.
stay up to date on the latest research and techniques.
Most importantly, using evidenced based practice keeps us from using “cookie cutter” approaches to our patient care. Every case is individualized based on patient needs.
Our evidence-based approach at EverStrong Therapy allows us to be more flexible and transparent with how and why we are performing techniques during a treatment session. We have your best interest at heart throughout your entire continuum of care.
Using evidence-based practice and techniques allows us to provide you with the best care to get you on the road to recovery in the most thoughtful, effective, and efficient way possible.
