No AccessLanguage, Speech, and Hearing Services in SchoolsResearch Article1 Jan 2008

A Qualitative Examination of Current Guidelines for Evidence-Based Practice in Child Language Intervention

Contact author: Tim Brackenbury, Department of Communication Disorders, Bowling Green State University, 246 Health Center Building, Bowling Green, OH 43403. E-mail:

E-mail Address: [email protected]

Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH

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Abstract

Purpose

The present investigation examines the time, effort, and resources that evidence-based practice (EBP) requires, and looks at what types of results are obtained.

Method

Principles of EBP as outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association were applied to 3 treatment case studies.

Results

The cases took between 3 and 7 hr to complete and yielded different amounts and types of results. Individual article searches yielded better results than did searches of systematic reviews. Most evidence found was from small-group and individual case studies.

Conclusion

EBP is a necessary part of effective and ethical treatment. The resources needed, time involved, and availability of relevant information make current guidelines for EBP challenging for most full-time practitioners. Specific recommendations to address these concerns are offered.

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