Rehabilitation Research Boot Camp: A Renewed Look at Evidence-Based Practice

Course overview

This course provides a comprehensive update on the evolution and practical application of evidence-based practice (EBP) in a rapidly changing medical landscape. While historical research innovations such as antibiotics and vaccines have dramatically improved global mortality rates, modern clinicians face a paradoxical decline in musculoskeletal and chronic disease outcomes despite an overwhelming surge in published data. This training addresses the critical "information overload" barrier by refining how providers classify the strength of evidence and integrate it with clinical expertise and patient values. Participants will explore the ethical foundations of research, the staggering 73-day doubling rate of medical knowledge, and the systemic factors contributing to worsening morbidity. Designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals, this course is applicable across various clinical settings, including outpatient orthopedics and acute care. By shifting the focus to personalized, evidence-informed care and addressing social determinants of health, clinicians will learn to move beyond rigid protocols toward better patient outcomes.