Evidence Based Practices
Evidence-based practices are interventions or services for which there is consistent scientific evidence to show improvement in client outcomes.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)divides evidence-based practices into three different categories: promising programs, effective programs and model programs. SAMHSA promising programs are defined as having been "implemented and evaluated sufficiently and considered to be scientifically defensible. They have demonstrated positive outcomes but have not been shown to have sufficient rigor and/or consistently positive outcomes required for Effective Program status". SAMHSA effective programs have been found to produce a "consistent positive pattern of results (across domains and/or replications)." SAMHSA model programs are "well-implemented, well-evaluated programs, and have been reviewed by the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) according to rigorous standards of research." Developers of model programs have "coordinated and agreed with SAMHSA to provide quality materials, training, and technical assistance for nationwide implementation." All definitions above were taken from the SAMHSA website.
Additional information for evidence-based practices:
- National Institute of Mental Health - search this website for information on evidence-based practices
- Evidence Based Practices - Shaping Mental Health Services Toward Recovery
- For Adults with Serious Mental Illness the following are considered to be evidenced-based practice and have toolkits available from the Center for Mental Health Services .
It is important to measure the fidelity of implementation of Evidence Based Practices in order to monitor programs over time and make sure that protocols are followed. Fidelity is defined as the degree of implementation of an Evidence Based Practice. Fidelity scales have been developed for all the toolkits and information related to the scales for each toolkit can be found at the links above.
Related Information:
- President's New Freedom Commission
- National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices - other EBPs
- Other evidence-based practice resources
- Institute Of Medicine: Crossing the Quality Chasm report
