Evidence‐based practice in clinical psychology: What it is, why it matters; what you need to know

TLDR

Evidence‑based practice (EBP) in clinical psychology integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences, is a transdisciplinary, idiographic lifelong learning approach, and includes empirically supported treatments but is not limited to them. The study highlights that psychologists must acquire skills to create, synthesize, and consume research evidence and engage patients in shared decision‑making within their clinical expertise. The authors identify training needs in clinical trial methodology, systematic reviews, search strategies, patient preference measurement, and clinical skill acquisition for empirically supported treatments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., J Clin Psychol 63: 611–631.

Abstract

Abstract The history and meaning of evidence‐based practice (EBP) in the health disciplines was described to the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) training programs. Evidence‐based practice designates a process of clinical decision‐making that integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and characteristics. Evidence‐based practice is a transdisciplinary, idiographic approach that promotes lifelong learning. Empirically supported treatments (ESTs) are an important component of EBP, but EBP cannot be reduced to ESTs. Psychologists need additional skills to act as creators, synthesizers, and consumers of research evidence, who act within their scope of clinical expertise and engage patients in shared decision‐making. Training needs are identified in the areas of clinical trial methodology and reporting, systematic reviews, search strategies, measuring patient preferences, and acquisition of clinical skills to perform ESTs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 63: 611–631, 2007.