Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-Based Practice The Star Model

Evidence-Based Practice Discovery – multitude of articles Summary – systematic reviews Translation – clinical recommendations Integration – change in practice Evaluation – change in health outcomes

Rating System for Grading Levels of Evidence Level I Multiple randomized controlled trials Randomized trials with large sample sizes and large effect sizes Level II Evidence from at least one well-designed RCT Single randomized trials with small samples

Rating System for Grading Levels of Evidence Level III IIIA Evidence from well-designed trials without randomization IIIB Evidence from studies of intact groups Ex-post facto and causal comparative studies Case/control or cohort studies

Rating System for Grading Levels of Evidence IIIC Evidence obtained from time series with and without an intervention Single experimental or quasi-experimental studies with dramatic effect sizes Level IV Evidence from integrative reviews Systematic reviews of qualitative or descriptive studies Case series, uncontrolled studies, expert opinion

Clinical Effectiveness of EBP Feasibility – is it practical Appropriateness – does it fit situation Meaningfulness – opinions, values, beliefs Effectiveness – best available evidence, not necessarily the best possible

Barriers to Translating Evidence into Practice Financial disincentives Lack of skills, facilities or equipment “Standard of Care” based on consensus Lack of knowledge – persons or experts Belief that “Guidelines” are cookbooks Misinformed lay public