Evidence-based physiotherapy clinical practice in the public health-care service in Ecuador.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine if evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) was being applied in the public physiotherapy and physical rehabilitation departments in Ecuador, Zone 3.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was developed applying the "Evidence-Based Practice: Beliefs, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behaviors of Physical Therapists" questionnaire, designed by Jette et al. and validated in Spanish by Guerra et al. to 67 physiotherapists working in the public service in the provinces of Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Pastaza, and Tungurahua.

RESULTS: Of the physiotherapists, 65.67% fully agree in being necessary to implement EBP in their clinical setting; however, 44.78% identified EBP as highly time demanding. Insufficient time (95.52%), lack of information resources (53.73%), and absence of support among co-workers (50.75%) were reported as the main barriers that prevent physiotherapists from practicing EBP.

CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists showed a positive attitude and interest towards EBP, although there is unawareness on how to accomplish EBP on daily basis in addition to little specific training during preprofessional studies in relation to scientific research.