Patient-mediated interventions are an under-utilised approach to increasing knowledge translation in occupational therapy

The number of high‐quality research studies evaluating (and demonstrating) the efficacy of occupational therapy interventions has grown dramatically over the last 15 years. Although the volume of research supporting occupational therapy intervention is increasing, gaps between recommended and actual clinical practice remain (Thomas & Law, 2013). Barriers to translation of knowledge into practice include: lack of confidence and lack of time to find and critically appraise research and integrate findings into practice (Bennett et al., 2003; Thomas & Law, 2013), whereas having organisational support is a key facilitator of knowledge translation (Bennett et al., 2016). Attitudes to evidence‐based practice (EBP) and implementation of evidence‐based interventions also differ between therapists. Thus, notwithstanding the increased availability of high‐quality relevant occupational therapy research to inform practice, individual and organisational barriers and attitudes contribute to variations in care. Interventions to increase knowledge translation in occupational therapy tend to focus on upskilling the therapist to find and apply research evidence in practice. Strategies include running professional development courses, establishing mentoring schemes and establishing networks and activities such as journal clubs.