Awareness of Evidence-Based Practice and Cochrane Library among Allied Health Care Professionals
Keywords:
Evidence based practice, cochrane library, allied health professionals, awareness, knowledgeAbstract
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the awareness and use of evidence-based practice (EBP) and the Cochrane Library among allied health care professionals working in major public sector hospitals in Karachi.
Material and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 allied health care professionals recruited through convenience sampling from Civil Hospital, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), and Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to measure awareness of EBP principles, knowledge of systematic reviews, and use of the Cochrane Library. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic data, while chi-square tests compared awareness levels across demographic groups.
Results:
Overall, 62% of participants reported having heard of EBP, while only 41% demonstrated an understanding of its principles. Awareness of systematic reviews was observed in 48% of respondents. Regarding the Cochrane Library, 35% had heard of it, and only 18% had ever accessed it. The main barriers to use were lack of training (67%) and limited institutional access (58%). Awareness was higher among younger professionals and those with fewer than five years of experience.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that while allied health professionals in Karachi are moderately aware of EBP, their knowledge and use of the Cochrane Library remain limited. Capacity-building initiatives, institutional support, and integration of EBP training into professional curricula are needed to improve evidence-informed practice in Pakistan.
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