The Evolution of Evidence-based Practices
December 8, 2009Commentary on Biglan and Ogden (2008): The Evolution of Evidence-based Practices
by Ronnie Detrich, Wing Institute and Teri Lewis-Palmer, Educational Consultant
This article offers insight into a critical dilemma facing the evidence-based movement: why aren’t more evidence-based practices making an impact. It was published in the December 2009 issue of Savage Controversies, the newsletter of the Evidence-Based Practice Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Association for Behavior Analysis International. This commentary examined an article written by Tony Biglan and Terje Ogden, The Evolution of Evidence-based Practices. The piece was published in the European Journal of Behavior Analysis in 2008. The paramount problem addressed in the paper is the presence of a gap that prevents viable evidence-based practices, demonstrated as effective in research settings, from being used by practitioners. The existence of ample knowledge of practices capable of having a significant positive impact on consumers is apparently not sufficient enough for these practices to bridge this gap and be successfully implemented in service settings. Biglan and Ogden make a compelling case that the problem lies not with our knowledge of practices that work, but in our knowledge on how to effectively influence organizations to adopt and implement those practices. Detrich and Lewis go on to suggest that future research needs to go beyond the unit of practices and expand to include programs, systems, and policies. Finally, the commentary highlights the need for the field to include sustainability to insure the full impact of evidence-based practices in service settings.
Biglan, A. & Ogden, T. (2008). The evolution of evidence-based practices. European Journal of Behavior Analysis, 9, 81-95.