Resources: Evidence-based Programs and Practices

Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves complex and conscientious decision-making which is based not only on the available evidence but also on characteristics, situations, and preferences. It recognizes that care is individualized and ever changing and involves uncertainties and probabilities.

In the health care field, evidence-based practice (or practices), also called EBP or EBPs, generally refers to approaches to prevention or treatment that are validated by some form of documented scientific evidence. What counts as “evidence” varies. Evidence often is defined as findings established through scientific research, such as controlled clinical studies, but other methods of establishing evidence are considered valid as well. Evidence-based practice stands in contrast to approaches that are based on tradition, convention, belief, or anecdotal evidence. EBP develops individualized guidelines of best practices to inform the improvement of whatever professional task is at hand.

• Guide To Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) on The Web, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA also offers theNational Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).
• Blueprints for Violence Prevention, from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (CSPV)
• Exemplary and Promising School-Based Programs from the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools (SDFS) of the US Department of Education
• What Works Clearinghouse, from the Institute of Education Science of the US Department of Education
• Guide for Community Preventive Services from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)