What Does it Mean to be Evidence-based?
An evidence-based practice is a practice that has been rigorously evaluated in experimental evaluations – like randomized controlled trials – and shown to make a positive, statistically significant difference in important outcomes.
A program that has stood the test of rigorous experimental evaluations:
- has shown that it is supported by data, not just based on theory
- has been repeatedly tested and is more effective than standard care or an alternative practice, &
- can be reproduced in other settings.