Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is known as the integration of best research evidence, clinical expertise, and consideration of patient value. ASHA addresses ways in which the principles of evidence-based practice are to be incorporated into clinical decision making. Speech-language pathologists (SLPS) are expected to recognize and integrate the needs, values, and interests of clients and families receiving services with the best current research and their clinical expertise. EBP has become an important principle in the delivery of speech-language pathology services. It is a continuing process that is dynamic and evolving of clinical expertise that is used in everyday practice.
According to Orlikoff, Schiavetti & Metz, the four steps for the proper protocol for evidence based practice is framing the clinical question, consulting the evidence, assessing the evidence, and establishing a clinical decision. The first step is framing the specific question about what evidence needs to be researched. In this section, the speech-language pathologist must ask themselves questions known as PICO, which includes …show more content…
When systematic reviews are not available, not trustworthy, or relevant one can turn to individual studies to find evidence to make treatment decisions. Resources may also include clinical practice guidelines, expert opinions from SLPS, and peer-reviewed journals. External evidence can be evaluated using internal validity and external validity. Internal validity is what the study is describing what it is supposed to be testing. External validity is the generalizability of the results. The fourth step and final step is making the clinical decision which is the combination of clinical expertise, the client’s perspective and available scientific