Canadian EHOs’ Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Research Utilization (50m Lecture)

Purpose: To identify and describe the barriers to and facilitators of research utilization (RU) in environmental health practice from the perspective of Canadian Environmental Health Officers (EHOs).
Background: There are an estimated 2200 EHOs practicing public health in Canada. Literature from indicates that use of research evidence improves outcomes in public health practice. To ensure that RU occurs in environmental health practice, it is import to identify and understand the structural, organizational and individual barriers to RU that are faced by Canadian EHOs.
Method: This knowledge translation paper reports phase one of a mixed methods study that employs statistical methods to identify barriers and facilitators to RU as identified by EHOs in Canada. The survey tool is an online version of the BARRIERS to Research Utilization Scale. The online tool was disseminated to EHOs across Canada and 311 EHOs completed the survey.

Graphic: http://www.gdnet.org/cms

Results: Lack of authority to change environmental health policies, practices and procedures was perceived to be the greatest barrier to RU as reported by 83.5% of participants. The barriers insufficient time to read research (81.3%) and implement evidence into practice (78.2%) were cited as the second and fourth most prevalent barriers to RU. The remaining top five barriers related to organizational structures and cultural dynamics that challenge the uptake and use of research in practice. Factor Analysis led to the identification of four factors that describe the major themes surrounding the barriers to RU in environmental health; these were: (1) Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes, (2) Structural and Cultural Barriers, (3) Qualities of the Research, and (4) Innovation Implementation. Finally, participants identified the following as facilitators to RU in practice: (1) Relevant and Accessible Evidence; (2) Organizational Competency Development; (3) Appropriate Resourcing; (4) An Evidence Based Practice Framework; (5) Individual Competency Development; and (6) Increased Networking and Collaboration.
Conclusion: This study provided a window to understand the specific barriers affecting RU as perceived by EHOs across Canada. Understanding these concerns allows KT practitioners, and organizations that employ EHOs, to improve RU in day-to-day environmental health practice by adapting the structural and organizational barriers that influence EBDM in the workplace.