Evidence-Based Practices

"The conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient” is a standard definition of Evidence-based Practice (EBP).  Developed by David Sackett, a pioneer in EBP, this definition describes integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research.

“EBP is the integration of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence into the decision making process for patient care. Clinical expertise refers to the clinician's cumulated experience, education and clinical skills. The patient brings to the encounter his or her own personal and unique concerns, expectations, and values. The best evidence is usually found in clinically relevant research that has been conducted using sound methodology.”   Sackett, D. Evidence-based Medicine - What it is and what it isn't. BMJ 1996; 312:71-72.

Evidence-based practices in integration have been identified and reviewed in several studies including:

The AHRQ supported Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPC) findings were published as an evidence report/technology assessment entitled Integration of Mental Health/Substance Abuse and Primary Care (2009). 

A primer on integrated care, Evolving Models of Behavioral Health Integration in Primary Care, was commissioned by the Milbank Foundation, to provide policy makers with a description of various models, along with planning tools for those seeking to implement such a model in their jurisdiction.