Evidence-Based Practices

Evidence-based practice is "the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of [clients]". (Sackett, Richardson, Rosenberg & Haynes, 1997, 2)

Why Evidence-Based Practices?

Practitioners, consumers and third party payers want to know if a prescribed treatment works.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions are typically associated with multiple randomized controlled research trials which are summarized in journal reviews. The research seeks to examine and identify which treatment interventions are effective. Examples include: reduction of symptoms, number of hospitalizations, improvement in social and vocational functioning, increases in self-reported positive moods, etc. 

The California Evidence-Based Clearing House for Child Welfare (CEBC) adds another layer to this. The CEBC describes EBP as the intersection of the best research evidence, best clinical experiences, and that is consistent with client values. 

Evidence-based practice refers not just to research based treatment interventions, but to research at the organizational level too. It has become necessary in the human service field to integrate research to practice and practice to research.

Next Best: Promising Practices

A promising practice is an intervention that has had positive outcomes, however, the intervention does not meet the criteria for an evidence-based practice treatment.