The development of pre-registration occupational therapy student perceptions of research and evidence-based practice: A Q-methodology study.

Background: Pedagogically sound curricula are needed for occupational therapy (OT) students to adopt evidence-based practice (EBP) principles and internalise EBP within their professional identities. Exploring students' perceptions of this knowledge area can contribute to effective curriculum design.

Aims/objectives: To explore the evolution of pre-registration OT student perceptions of research and EBP over the course of their engagement with undergraduate teaching and learning.

Materials and methods: The Q-sort approach synthesises different viewpoints regarding a sample of statements, using by-person factor analysis (respondents = variables; statements = sample). Final year pre-registration OT students completed the same Q-sort at three timepoints (pre-dissertation [n = 18]; post-dissertation submission [n = 12]; post-student research conference [n = 6]). Q-sort responses were intercorrelated and factor-analysed; extraction of factors with an eigenvalue of ¬>0.9 and varimax rotation identified majority viewpoints.

Results: Significant factors were revealed at each timepoint: 1a: 'Evidence-inseparable from OT practice', 1b: 'Research for research's sake-inseparable from the occupational therapy identity', 2: 'Who am I to question the gurus?', 3: 'I can do it with confidence…but so what?'

Conclusions: Opportunities for completing 'authentic' student research projects, with 'ownership' of results, may enhance research and EBP confidence and professional identity.

Significance: Findings expand current knowledge regarding effective use of pre-registration educational opportunities to support future research and EBP.