How and why do occupational therapists use the OTseeker evidence database?

Background: OTseeker is a free online bibliographic database containing systematic reviews and methodological ratings of randomised controlled trials relevant to occupational therapy. The database aims to help therapists efficiently identify high quality pre-appraised research. Aim: This study explored the search practices of therapists who regularly used OTseeker, what they did with the information retrieved and their perceptions of the database. Sample: A purposive sample of 11 occupational therapists was recruited in 2004. All had visited OTseeker at least five times in the previous 12 months. Study design: Qualitative. Methods: A semistructured interview was conducted with each participant. Grounded theory methods were used for analysis. Findings: Five distinct categories were identified: reasons for visiting OTseeker, learning about OTseeker, search times and locations, using information from OTseeker, and improving OTseeker. Therapists used the database to teach or model evidence-based practice, answer clinical questions and keep up-to-date. Suggestions for improvement focussed on search functionality, access to abstracts and the location of the PEDro rating scale. Only two participants synthesised information from OTseeker into a summary, and/or used it to inform client reports. Conclusion: This study suggests that OTseeker is helping to increase research utilisation by occupational therapists. Further research is needed to help therapists apply research evidence to change practice and policy.