A crucial consideration when choosing an evidence-based practice is often overlooked by practice guides and clearinghouses—the size of the impact an EBP will have.
It seems like a no-brainer—isn't that why evidence-based practices are being touted? So, isn't that what clearinghouses are evaluating?
Not really.
It's easy to assume that "evidence-based" designations (e.g. "well-supported," "supported" or "promising") evaluate comparative effectiveness of EBPs.
But they don't.
In reality, the prevailing resources generally only take into account the quality of research evidence—NOT how effective a practice may be compared to another, or even treatment as usual.
Higher evidence-based designations do NOT indicate:
• a greater impact on client outcomes;
• a greater return-on-investment for the community;
• or a better fit to an organization or community's needs.
At Proven Quality Practices, we've launched a blog to explore some of these topics and better inform community organizations about these issues.
