Abstract
Background Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a model utilised by the majority of healthcare professionals and is
a clinical framework that assists with decision-making related to patient care, to improve outcomes and patient
satisfaction. The study aimed to analyse the attitudes, skills, and utilization of evidence-based practice (EBP) among
South African chiropractors, focusing on perceived skill levels, training, use and identifying facilitators and barriers to
EBP application.
Methods A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative secondary analysis was conducted by inviting registered
chiropractors in South Africa (n = 920) to participate in an anonymous online questionnaire using the Evidence-Based
Practice Attitude and Utilisation Survey (EBASE).
Results A total of 132 chiropractors completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 14.4%. Of the respondents,
59.9% were female, 52.3% were between 26 and 35 years old, and 63.3% had graduated from the University of
Johannesburg. A third of respondents stated they have poor clinical research skills. Over half of the respondents
(56.8%) indicated that EBP constituted a significant part of their education except for completing systematic reviews
or meta-analyses. Published clinical evidence was ranked 6th as a source of information for clinical decisions. The
obstacles indicated were time constraints and a lack of clinical research in complementary and alternative medicine.
Access to the internet, databases and research tools were facilitators that were deemed to be “very useful” in
promoting EBP.
Conclusion The majority of South African chiropractors are generally favourable towards EBP, and this practice
therefore appears to be utilised and embraced, with the requisite skills.