Evidence-Based Practice Reflection

Evidence-based practice is an important component to occupational therapy practice, as it

helps advance our scope of practice and reaffirm the viability of our profession. As I reflect on
my experiences through occupational therapy (OT) school at Touro University Nevada (TUN), I
realize that the topic of evidence-based practice was strongly emphasized throughout the
curriculum. Evidence-based practice entails the use of current best evidence in decision making
for the care and treatment of all patients. It involves the integration of best research, clinical
expertise, and resources. Literature review, critical appraisal, and use of research evidence is
important to strengthening our scope of practice and supporting the effectiveness of interventions
to improve client outcomes.
Having the opportunity to conduct my own quantitative and qualitative study enhanced
my understanding of research approaches, and allowed me to develop the ability to critically
evaluate scholarly articles. Upon completion of these two research projects, I was able to
complete my first systematic review. This opportunity provided a brief yet comprehensive review
of evidence for a specific condition and practice area. Conducting my own research, which
required collecting and analyzing research data, made me appreciate the importance of research
in OT practice. As a future OT practitioner, I will continue to incorporate evidence-based
practice into clinical treatment in order to provide appropriate interventions and strategies that
will increase the health and well-being of my clients.
From the artifacts presented in my portfolio, the systematic review/critically appraised
paper perhaps best represents my growth in the area of evidence-based practice. This project
allowed me to expand my knowledge on the topic of parent education programs in improving
compliance in children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The systematic review helped

summarize the best available literature on our research question. We were able to set up a criteria
in searching for articles, appraise bias or limitations in studies, and synthesize the results of our
studies to provide a summary of evidence that is available in research.
Prior to starting graduate school, I understood the importance of research, however was
never given the opportunity to conduct my own research. Perhaps one of my greatest regrets in
undergraduate school was not taking the initiative to pursue research. I am grateful and
appreciative for having this opportunity at TUN. My journey through OT school provided me
with a new lens within which to critically evaluate scholarly articles for evidence-based practice.
This experience allowed me to greatly appreciate research as it directly ties into clinical
treatment. Research is the foundation to building and maintaining the credibility and efficacy of
our profession. In the future, I hope to gain more confidence in conducting research, and
eventually have my own research published in the future. My long-term goal is to build a clinic
in Armenia for individuals with disabilities and disorders. In order to do so, I must continue to
utilize new and current evidence in research in order to provide the best quality of care for my
patients.