Awareness of Evidence-Based Practice and Cochrane Library among Allied Health Care Professionals
Keywords:
Evidence based practice, cochrane library, allied health professionals, awareness, knowledgeAbstract
ObjectiveThis 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.
MethodsA 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.
ResultsOverall, 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.
ConclusionThe 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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