Background: Evidence-informed practice (EIP) is part of a healthcare ethos, in which practitioners apply evidence together with their expertise contextualized by the unique values of the patient. Studies about EIP focus on attitudes or confidence related to EIP. Individuals’ abilities to assess their own knowledge or performance are low. Therefore, a positive rating of attitude or confidence does not likely portray accurately the EIP knowledge or ability of the practitioner. It was hypothesized that awareness of evidence might be a more accurate measure. Objective: This study sought to understand registered massage therapists’ (RMTs) awareness of the current evidence for practice and to identify sources of information that inform that awareness. Methods: An online questionnaire-based mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted. Ontario RMTs were invited to participate. This report focuses on the results of the quantitative analysis. Results: In total, 1,762 questionnaires were included; a 16.9% response rate. The mean awareness score was 9.4 ± 7.2. A multiple regression showed four factors that explained 4% of the variation seen in the awareness score: membership in the professional association (RMTAO), EIP attitude score, post-graduate education, and home-based practice. Of seven sources of information provided, respondents rated cumulative professional experience as most important, followed by recent research studies and education. Cumulative professional experience also rated as most frequently used, followed by other RMTs and education. Conclusions: This study investigated the level of awareness of evidence of RMTs. The results of the awareness score showed opportunity for improvement and require further investigation. Future research should explore other factors, which may show a better model of predictability of the awareness score. It is proposed that awareness of the evidence for practice might be a better predictor of use of evidence in practice than self-reported attitude or capacity but further research is needed. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Children with developmental coordination disorders (DCD) inherently have neuromotor disruptions that impact their functional performance (Watemberg et al., 2007). The prevalence of developmental coordination disorder is high among children with diagnoses such as ADHD and autism (Maciver et al., 2011). DCD presents with motor coordination problems, visual motor integration difficulties, sensory processing differences, and communication and behavior challenges. These difficulties lead to specific learning delays that affect reading, writing, and math as well as related mental health problems. There is an emerging body of evidence substantiating the need for effective diagnosis, which would lead to improved management of the population. Evidenced-based occupational therapy interventions for children with DCD are limited, which impacts the training opportunities for occupational therapists who are interested in using effective interventions in their practice. The literature highlights the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) method as the only evidence-based practice intervention method, however sensory integration treatment is the preferred treatment used by 90% of pediatric occupational therapists in the United States (AOTA, 2015b). Although there is limited evidence supporting popular interventions such as sensory integration, neurodevelopmental therapies, and deficit-oriented interventions, there is a growing interest and desire for ways to address the needs of the DCD population. Consistent themes throughout the literature are to promote awareness and develop appropriate evidence-based interventions for children being diagnosed with DCD. I propose that this clinical gap can be remediated by providing an evidence-informed, multi-faceted intervention model that is supported by current neuroscience research. With growing bodies of literature in the neuroscience research community, I propose using an integrated model such as the Margow Model (Margow, 2014). The model integrates several philosophies of treatment that can be easily implemented with a clear plan of intervention. Occupational therapists need an accessible tool that incorporates task-oriented interventions, sensory processing strategies, cognitive strategies and functional activities that can be carried over into daily living skills.