Evidence-based practices are intervention methods in which it has scientific evidence that could show positive outcomes. One of the major benefits of evidence-based practice on human-services intervention is that it could provide or identify effective intervention methods based on reviewing large amounts of studies rather than based on the subjective interpretations of the clinician. In addition, the evidence-based practices also receive support from multiple studies from various fields such as biology, sociology and psychology (Aarons et al., 2009). This would help in providing more preventive and effective intervention methods for patients. The evidence-based practices are also funded by several private funders since they are known to be effective due to scientific evidences (Hyde et al., 2003).
There are also challenges in the application of the evidence-based practices. First, most of the intervention methods which are based on the evidence-based practices lack examination of the long-term effects (Peterson et al., 2014). Secondly, most of the existing programs or practices have not yet been included in various empirical studies. It could be challenging to identify the best method since it is difficult to compare the intervention methods (Aarons et al., 2009). Lastly, restricting the intervention methods based on the evidence-based practices could limit the patient from specific diagnostic criteria (Peterson et al., 2014).
In order to avoid these challenges, several recommendations could be considered. First, it is recommended to devote resources to provide examination for services which are not yet studied rigorously (Peterson et al., 2014). Secondly, it is recommended to design examination method which considers wider range of programs and services (Hyde et al., 2003). Lastly, the health care practitioners should always consider the voice of the consumer in order to remove the barrier for specific diagnostic criteria (Peterson et al., 2014).
References
Aarons, G. A., Wells, R.S., Zagursky, K., Fettes, D.L., & Palinkas, L.A. (2009). Implementing evidence-based practice in community mental health agencies: A multiple stakeholder analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 99(11), 2087-2095
Hyde, P., et al. (2003). Turning knowledge into practice. The American College of Mental Health Administration (ACMHA). Retrieved from http://begun.case.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Turning-Knowledge-Into-Practice.pdf.
Peterson, A. E., Bond, G.R., Drake, R.E., Mchugo, G.J., Jones, A.M., & Williams, J.R. (2014). Predicting the long-term sustainability of evidence-based practices in mental health care: An 8-year longitudinal analysis. The Journal of Behavioural Health Services & Research, 41(3), 337-346.
