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We created this book as a learning tool for physical therapy students and clinicians who want to become evidence based practitioners. It can also serve as a tool for more experienced physical therapists who want to continue to improve their knowledge and skills as evidence based therapists. With this book you can develop skills to search the literature for the best and most applicable research for your patients and critically appraise this literature for quality and clinical application. We have included chapters on the use of current technology and forms of communication in order to support realistic practice in the busy clinical workplace.
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This book is the product of our years of teaching evidence based practice (EBP) to physical therapy students, physical therapists, and faculty. Our teaching has taken many forms including online, classroom, laboratory, and through institutes organized specifically for faculty who teach EBP to physical therapists. Throughout our teaching years, we searched for a book that was targeted to physical therapists and supported the dynamic learner. When our search failed, we decided to write our own book! During this process, we asked and received feedback from many students and colleagues. This feedback was critical to our final product; the book has been greatly improved as a result. We owe thanks to the anonymous reviewers who were solicited by F.A. Davis. Their thoughtful and thorough reviews were valuable to our process. Finally, a special thanks to Weslie Holland, whose enthusiastic, prompt, and expert assistance was greatly appreciated.
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Writing a book is a lot of work over an extensive period. One sure way to complete a book is to be passionate about the subject and, more important, to be passionate about not just teaching the subject, but learning the subject. We are both. In addition, it helps to have a sense of humor. In fact, a sense of humor helps everything in life, particularly those aspects that are a lot of work over an extensive period. Our passion for teaching and learning has always been complemented by our humor, enjoyment of the content and process, and respect and enjoyment of each other. We wish you a successful journey toward becoming an evidence based physical therapist.
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