The Use of Evidence-Based Practice Among Japanese Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals

The current study surveyed 94 Japanese vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals to determine their perceived self-efficacy, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and readiness to use evidence-based practice (EBP). VR counselors in Japan generally see the potential benefits of using EBP to improve psychosocial and employment outcomes of people with disabilities. However, responses related to knowledge and skills were mixed with higher confidence reported in the ability to understand basic concepts of rehabilitation research designs, methods, and statistics but less confidence in the use of research databases to find empirically supported interventions and in their ability to understand the best evidence information from systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Perceived barriers to EBP were identified, including lack of support for the use of EBP from colleagues and senior management in the agency and not having supervisors who are experienced in EBP. As expected, Japanese VR counselors also reported EBP was not effectively used in VR service delivery practices. Implications for practice, education, and professional development are discussed