Professional knowledge development and evidence-based practice in confusing vs. supportive work organizations : A grounded theory situational analysis of Swedish elderly care

• Background: This article focuses on knowledge development and health professionals’ opportunitiesto use evidence-based practice (EBP). We studied registered physiotherapists (PT), occupationaltherapists (OT) and nurses (RN) in Swedish elderly-care institutions, a sector known for highturnover and shortages of competent staff.Objective: To examine the perspectives of healthcare providers on professional knowledge developmentand EBP in their organization.Methods: We conducted on-site qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of PTs, OTs andRNs, in six elderly care institutions. Situational analysis was used to analyze the material.Results: Three discursive professional positions were found: 1) Professional ambition in confusingwork organization; 2) Professional ambition in a knowledge-promoting work organization; and 3) Professional indifference with few aspirations for knowledge development. Professional aspirationstoward knowledge development were high in two of these positions, whereas the third representsa slightly different approach with fewer aspirations for knowledge development. Linked to theseprofessional approaches to knowledge development is a continuum of aggravating or facilitatingfactors within the work organization, including varying degrees of support from leadership of theorganization, as well as few opportunities for rewards.Discussion and conclusions: It is concluded that elderly care needs to develop strategies forevidence-based practice in order for the sector to become a sustainable arena for health professionals’career development, and in order to improve the quality of care for the elderly.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Genusstudier (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Gender Studies (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Physiotherapy

occupational therapy

nursing

organization

leadership

physiotherapy

fysioterapi

genusvetenskap

gender studies

Sociology

sociologi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)