Evidence-based practice is a term describing the application of the most up-to-date research evidence to services in order to enhance outcomes. Evidence-based practice most often refers to medical, health or mental health services but can apply to any service provided for individuals and families. Evidence-based practice came into use due to the lag between research and practice. It brings the latest methods and technologies "to the trenches" by bringing together researchers, methodologists and practitioners to facilitate the latest in providing services.
Instructions
Use Evidence-based Practice
1. Evidence-based practice relies on the professional's knowledge, based on experiential learning as it is used in practice. It is widely accepted that the professional's knowledge is also influenced by his personal and professional beliefs, as well as his values. Rather than relying solely on research documentation, evidence-based practitioners bring a wealth of tools to the table to provide individualized, successful services.
2. Evidence-based practices are skill sets that service providers and practitioners bring to the field. These techniques and strategies can be considered to be a service provider's "tool kit," using the most up-to-date methods to interact with the individuals and families the provider works with. Many states regulate whether providers may label their services as "evidence-based". For instance, rehabilitation and habilitation centers that work with the disabled may be regulated by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), the local mental health authority, and/or the state rehabilitation services agency.
3. Using evidence-based practice means acting in the best interest of the person receiving services, whether they are physical or mental health, educational, developmental or other services. For instance, before the use of evidence-based services, a person with a developmental disability was not considered as an individual; a service plan was provided based on a blanket method of what was best for a person with that specific disability. The person's degree of disability, support system, and personal likes and dislikes were not considered. Thus, these non-specific services had less likelihood of success. Today, a "person-centered plan," or PCP, is used to maximize success integrating individuals into the community and workforce.
4. To apply evidence-based practice, the best information available is used to make decisions. It is this collaboration of information that individualizes service and treatment plans. By their very nature, individualized service plans have more successful outcomes, and are more palatable to the person served.
Tags: mental health, Evidence-based practice, individuals families, most up-to-date, person with, practitioners bring