{"id":310,"date":"2017-11-22T09:20:48","date_gmt":"2017-11-21T22:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/?p=310"},"modified":"2017-11-22T15:12:40","modified_gmt":"2017-11-22T04:12:40","slug":"integrating-evidence-into-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2017\/11\/22\/integrating-evidence-into-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Integrating Evidence into Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"

(Image: Pixabay)<\/p><\/div>\n

by Dana Scully<\/h4>\n

(This article first appeared in the March 2014 issue of the AMT journal \u201cIn Good Hands\u201d.)<\/em><\/p>\n

Evidence-based practices integrate the best available research with clinical observations and patient wants and needs. While clinical observations and patient wants and needs are part and parcel of everyday practice, integrating research can take some getting used to.<\/p>\n

In order to integrate research effectively into our practices, a basic understanding of research methodologies is necessary. There are three types of research methodologies: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Each has benefits and disadvantages.<\/p>\n

Quantitative Research<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Quantitative research has clear boundaries: it uses clear and familiar measurements, is often applied to large sample sizes, and is easily replicable. The researcher begins with a clearly defined question, usually comparing one variable to another, asking where, what, <\/em>and when<\/em>. Data is measured, often before and always after the intervention. Outcomes are in a numerical form measuring quantity, intensity, and\/or frequency.<\/p>\n

Meta-analysis, random controlled trials (RCTs) and surveys are examples of quantitative research.<\/p>\n

Quantitative research, with its precise measures and replicable outcomes, is an essential tool to the allied health professional. Its numerically calculated outcomes enable easy comparison and form the basis of guidelines and protocols used in clinical practice and taught in vocational training centres.<\/p>\n

Quantitative research \u2013 including meta-analyses and RCTs \u2013 is considered to generate the highest level of evidence reliability, but the large sample sizes may limit the usefulness of this type of research for our field.<\/p>\n

While the rigid design of quantitative research aids its generalisability, reliability, and replicability, it does not allow for nuanced interpretation or even extrapolation into real world settings.<\/p>\n

Quantitative Research Method Example<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>A study by Faleiros and de Paula (2012, 836-842) examined intestinal re-education using massage in 50 quadriplegic cerebral palsy patients. Among the variables studied was the use of daily laxatives compared to massage intervention. The results suggested that non-drug interventions, including massage, should be considered as a first line treatment for quadriplegic cerebral palsy patients suffering from constipation.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Qualitative Research<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Qualitative research evaluates qualities or processes, often has small sample sizes, and is not easily replicable. This type of method is employed in the social sciences to examine social constructs and relationships. Data (in the form of responses to interviews and open-ended questionnaires) reflects observations of, or self-analyses about, a subject\u2019s experiences and\/or perspectives. Grounded theory and case studies are examples of qualitative research. Case studies are, as the name suggests, studies of particular cases (patients or diseases) that a therapist has treated over a period of time. Grounded theory is, essentially, research in reverse. Data is examined for possible connections or cause-effect relations and a theory is generated on the basis of hypothesised connections or relationships which can be validated by additional research.<\/p>\n

\"\"Qualitative research is sometimes used as the basis of quantitative research, especially when little is known or able to be numerically measured.<\/p>\n

Its small sample sizes and interpretability allows the health professional to extrapolate possible outcomes, incorporating them into real world settings.<\/p>\n

Qualitative research has its pros and cons. The rich descriptions used in qualitative research allow for a more realistic view of a subject\u2019s experiences and facilitate flexibility in the components of research design, collection, analysis, and interpretation. But this flexibility may come at a cost: replicability and reliability may be an issue if any one or more of the components are faulty.<\/p>\n

Qualitative Research Method Example<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>In Porcino, Boon, Page, and Verhoef\u2019s article (2013, 15-24), the authors investigated massage therapists\u2019 practice. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews to extrapolate practice details. The results of the interviews suggested that therapy is individualised and evolutionary, a finding that may be helpful in designing future training programs.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mixed Methods\u00a0<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Mixed methods research is, as its name suggests, a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. Mixed methods research tends not to randomise subjects and, for that reason, is also known as quasi-experimental research.<\/p>\n

Mixed methods research amalgamates \u201chow many<\/em> people feel, do or think a certain way \u2026\u201d with \u201chow<\/em> people do, feel, and think, or why<\/em> people do so\u201d (Kania, Porcino, & Verhoef, 2008). It\u2019s particularly suited to massage therapy research, which is both medically and socially conceptualised.<\/p>\n

Mixed methodology research may appear to be the best type of research but, once again, this method has its drawbacks. It is constrained by the same errors and benefits as the two methods it combines.<\/p>\n

Mixed Methods Research Example<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In a combined methods study, Porcino, Boon, Page, and Verhoef (2011) examined how massage therapy is unique and individualised, given practitioners\u2019 varied experiences. Both quantitative (population based surveys) and qualitative (practitioner interviews) were used in this study.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Practical Integration\u00a0<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Depending on the issue you wish to explore, once you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the various methodologies, you can incorporate the findings from relevant studies – whether based on a large RCT or a small cohort – with your own clinical observations and with your client\u2019s wants and needs to form an evidence-based practice care plan. With a little understanding and a bit of practise, integrating research into everyday practice is within reach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Dryden, T. & Moyer, C.A. (Eds.). (2012). \u2018Massage Therapy: Integrating Research and Practice-Critical Thinking, Best Practices, and Future Directions to Advance the Profession\u2019 (2nd ed.). South Australia: Human Kinetics<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Faleiros, F. & de Paula, E.D.R. (2013). \u2018Constipation in Patients with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy: Intestinal Re-education Using Massage and a Laxative Diet\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

Kania, A., Porcino, A., & Vehoef, M.J. (2008). \u2018Value of Qualitative Research in the Study of Massage Therapy\u2019\u00a0International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork<\/em>, 1(2), 6-10.<\/a><\/p>\n

Melnyk, B.M & Fineout-Overholt, E. (Eds.). (2011). \u2018Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice\u2019 (2nd ed.). Sydney NSW Australia: Wolters Kluwer Lippincott Williams & Wilkins<\/a>.<\/p>\n

National Health and Medical Research Council. (2000). \u2018How to Use the Evidence: Assessment and Application of Scientific Evidence\u2019 (Cat. No. 9938982). Commonwealth of Australia: Author.<\/a><\/p>\n

Porcino, A.J., Boon, H.S., Page, S.A. & Verhoef, M.J. (2011). \u2018Meaning and Challenges in the Practice of Multiple Therapeutic Massage Modalities: A Combined Methods Study\u2019. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11(75).<\/a><\/p>\n

Porcino, A.J., Boon, H.S., Page, S.A. & Verhoef, M.J. (2013). \u2018Exploring The Nature of Therapeutic Massage Bodywork Practice\u2019\u00a0International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork,<\/em> 6(1), 15-24.<\/a><\/p>\n

About the Author<\/h6>\n
\"\"<\/h6>\n

Dana Scully has been a member of AMT since 2001. She has a Bachelor of Health Science – Complementary Medicine through Charles Sturt University and loves sharing her education with AMT members. She is passionate about health care and member education.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Graphic Design<\/h6>\n

AMT thanks Claudia\u00a0Iacovella at Claudesign for the graphic used in this post. For more information, visit www.claudesign.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Evidence-based practices integrate the best available research with clinical observations and patient wants and needs. Dana Scully provides an overview of research methodologies. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":317,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,30,20],"tags":[79,71,76,69,75,74,73,77,78,72],"class_list":["post-310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-amt","category-massage","category-research","tag-claudesign","tag-dana-scully","tag-evidence-based","tag-massage-therapy-research","tag-mixed-methods-research","tag-qualitative-research","tag-quantitative-research","tag-random-controlled-trials","tag-rct","tag-research"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Carrot-and-Cheese.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1432,"url":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2019\/03\/06\/research-and-massage\/","url_meta":{"origin":310,"position":0},"title":"Research and Massage","author":"admin","date":"06\/03\/2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Dr Sarah Fogarty explains the different types of research and asks, what research into massage therapy do we want to see next.","rel":"","context":"In "Research"","block_context":{"text":"Research","link":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/category\/research\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/success-2081168.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/success-2081168.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/success-2081168.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/success-2081168.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.amt.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/success-2081168.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3879,"url":"https:\/\/blog.amt.org.au\/index.php\/2024\/05\/20\/10-reasons-to-be-excited-about-amts-new-research-resource\/","url_meta":{"origin":310,"position":1},"title":"10 reasons to be excited about AMT’s new research resource","author":"admin","date":"20\/05\/2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Drum roll please ... 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