Deconstructing evidence-based practice: Progress and ambiguities

摘要

Since the 1960s, professional evaluation has aimed to apply scientific research methods to develop evidence-based practices or programs (EBPs). The term "evidence-based" has gained traction in a number of primary disciplines ranging from health care to education to law enforcement. Most recently, federal, state, and local governments have begun to increase their mandates for the use of EBPs (Hawai'i State Center for Nursing, 2013; Minnesota Department of Corrections, 2011; Office of the President of the United States, 2014a, 2014b; Reickmann, Kovas, Cassidy, & McCarty, 2011; United States Office of Management and Budget, 2013). Such mandates may require recipients of funding to spend a stated portion of their funds on EBPs (e.g., Office of Adolescent Health/Mathematica Policy Research, 2014). A policy memorandum from the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directs federal agencies to use "credible" evidence in the formulation of budget proposals and performance plans. OMB further encourages funding of programs that are backed by strong evidence of effectiveness (United States Office of Management and Budget, 2013). However, exactly what constitutes credible evidence continues to be debated (Donaldson, Christie, & Mark, 2009; Sackett, Rosenberg, Gray, Haynes, & Richardson, 1996).