Evidence Based Final Reflection

I will be the first to admit this was the reflection I was looking forward to the least. I
think this is because the word, research, has always intimidated me. I know that Dr. Costa
worked very hard to debunk this connotation, but this underlying fear continues to underlie my
conscious. This is because in my family my brother is The Cardiovascular Researcher. And I
have always known that he and I are quite different academically. However, as I reflect on my
evidenced-based accomplishments throughout this program, I am quite impressed with myself.
My first endeavor into evidence-based practice was in first semester when I was Dr.
Costas research assistant. I learned so much about Mindfulness Based Chronic Pain
Management, as well as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and
countless other forms of meditation and mindfulness. I even applied this foundational knowledge
in fieldwork as evidenced by researching current articles depicting mindfulness based
interventions for anxiety and stress reduction. I was able to implement this intervention with
approximately five patients who all were grateful for the experience.
As I continued on this path to develop my comfort with evidenced based research,
Sydney and I completed a systematic review. This was the epitome of evidenced based projects
during my time as a student in this program. First, I learned what the heck a systematic review
was. Then I was able to research a topic that was interesting to me, current interventions used
with youth in the criminal justice system. I learned that occupational therapist are not currently
involved in this system; however, this is area is certainly within occupational therapists scope of
practice. I think this is an additional population that would greatly benefit from increased
interdisciplinary interventions.

The last artifact I will mention in this reflection pertains to the first qualities study I
completed with a group of classmates. This project looked for correlations between patterns of
seating arrangement within the classroom and learning styles. This project was insightful and a
great opportunity to practice qualitative research.
Evidence based practice is what makes me feel smart. I have greatly come to enjoy when
family members ask my opinion pertaining to a certain diagnosis, I now have the skill set to
properly research the current evidence regarding the matter. This has also allowed me to
establish my own presence within my family as an educated professional. A specific example
pertains to my oldest brother, the research guy, turning to me to ask about questions related to
persons with special needs. It is validating and exciting, that I to, now have a foundation of
evidenced based knowledge in which I can engage in advanced discourse pertaining to health
care topics.