Desired attributes of evidence assessments for evidence-based practices

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2006 Nov;33(6):648-58. doi: 10.1007/s10488-006-0057-z.

Abstract

In this paper we describe three approaches to assessing evidence for stakeholders interested in evidence-based practices: narrative reviews, systematic reviews (including meta-analyses), and registries. We then compare the approaches in terms of the degree to which they posses desired attributes of evidence assessments. Our review suggests that hybrid approaches that combined the best features of all three should be pursued to further the use of evidence-based practices, and that such hybrids are possible given the capacity of the World Wide Web. We conclude by stressing the need for empirical research on evidence assessments.

MeSH terms

  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / standards
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services / standards*
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic
  • Narration
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / standards
  • Registries
  • Review Literature as Topic
  • Sensitivity and Specificity