Examining the evidence implementation environment of the massage therapy profession in Australia: A cross-sectional study

Background

The extent to which contextual factors influence evidence implementation (EI) in massage therapy practice has been largely overlooked in prior studies. This research addresses this knowledge gap by examining the complex milieu of the massage therapy (MT) profession to establish its readiness for EI; specifically, the Australian context given its unique regulatory and education landscape.

Methods

Students, clinicians, academics, administrators, directors and managers, residing in Australia, were informed of the cross-sectional study using myriad recruitment strategies. Eligible individuals were invited to self-administer the validated 44-item Global Assessment of the Evidence Implementation Environment (GENIE) questionnaire online.

Results

299 respondents completed the GENIE questionnaire (60.2 % female; 58.2 % aged <50 years). Most respondents reported uncertainty or disagreement for 24 of the 34 indicators of EI readiness in MT. Of the three environments examined, the regulatory environment was considered least ready for EI in MT overall (57.2 % believed this sector was ready for EI), followed by the academic environment (60.5 % believed this sector was ready) and clinical environment (76.3 % believed this sector was ready).

Conclusion

This study identifies several opportunities for strengthening the Australian MT profession's readiness for EI, especially across the regulatory and academic sectors. The findings highlight the need for targeted strategies, including investment in research engagement (e.g. research mentorship), capacity building (e.g. EI training) and evidence dissemination, to foster stronger connections between sectors and improve the adoption of evidence-based practices. These strategies would support improvements in patient outcomes and quality of care, and enhance the credibility of the profession.