Diffusion of innovations theory in German physiotherapy - A qualitative study of the innovation-decision-process among German Early Adopters / Diffusionstheorie in der Physiotherapie - Eine qualitative Untersuchung des Innovations-Entscheidungsprozesses bei deutschen «Early Adoptern

The dissemination of evidence-based practice in German physiotherapy is limited by several barriers. However, a recent study shows that some German physiotherapists are already successfully implementing such a practice. Based on Everett M. Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory, this study defined evidence-based practice as an innovation in German physiotherapy to gain insight into therapists’ strategies to overcome these barriers.

Following a criterion-based sampling strategy, this study identified early adopters in German physiotherapy using the Evidence-based Practice Inventory and Hurt’s Innovativeness Scale. Five participants were selected and interviewed in semi-structured interviews using a qualitative research approach.

Using the strategies ‚exchange’, ‚environmental design’, ‚science consumption’, and ‚self-organisation’, the participants successfully implement evidence-based practice in their therapeutic practice. The participants’ accounts highlight the importance of early adopters in the dissemination of evidence-based practice and reveal a high degree of individuality in the implementation strategies used. The findings of this study show how physiotherapists overcome the barriers to evidence-based practice and thus provide a variety of starting points for future implementation science research in German physiotherapy.