‘Evidence based practice’
is more than a buzzword
By Laurie Nafziger
President and CEO
S
ometimes a turn of phrase
or an industry buzzword
becomes so
popular, it’s in
danger of losing
its meaning. In the health
care field, “evidence based
practices” is a term we use
so often, we might forget
what it means and why it’s so
important.
Evidence based practice is
defined as a three-pronged approach
to treatment that is informed by the
patient, leading research and the
clinician. It means:
1.
2.
3.
identifying a client’s values,
preferences and goals;
knowing which treatments are
supported by empirical evidence,
and
using a clinician’s expertise and
good judgment about the client
to use the treatment that is right
for them.
Evidence based practice starts with
getting to know the client and his or
her goal for treatment. The re’s often
a misconception that therapy is just
rambling, unguided talk. While talking
is a part of treatment, therapy — when
done well — is very goal-oriented. It
involves identifying a goal and learning
applicable skills to achieve that goal.
Evidence based practice also puts a
high priority on research — both quality
and quantity. Does research prove the
treatment is effective? Was the study
well-designed? Did it include a large
and diverse population? Has it been
replicated with similar results?
One example of an evidence-based
practice used at Oaklawn is Trauma
Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
This treatment, which was developed
for youth, teaches relaxation skills,
appropriate expression and regulation
skills and coping skills, among other
things. In 20 years of research on this
treatment, we know that children
who receive it have fewer
behavioral problems, fewer
symptoms of post-traumatic
stress disorder and are less
depressed than children who
receive nondirective support
therapy. Research also shows
that the treatment is more
effective when parents are
involved.
Using this scientific
approach to treatment means that
when we treat clients, we aren’t
stumbling around in the dark. We
have a treatment plan specific to
our client’s goals, and we know the
treatment has proven effective for a
large number of people over a long
period of time.
The last, and possibly most important,
piece of evidence based practice is
the clinician. At Oaklawn, our mission
is to join with others on their journey
toward health and wholeness, and to
do it with uncommon expertise.
We ensure our clinicians are up-todate through continuing education,
professional development, conferences, independent reading and
case-by-case clinical supervision. That
ongoing education and training both
standardizes and elevates the care our
clients receive, and we’re very proud
to have clinical staff who are truly
leaders in their field.
Why are evidence based practices so
important? Because they are proven
to work. Alcoholics can overcome
addiction; broken relationships can
heal; traumatized children can feel
safe. When we say we use evidence
based practices — and we say it a
lot — it’s because people really do get
better. There’s living proof.
You make a
difference
Oaklawn serves more than
16,000 people
in our community every year. Nearly
30 percent
of our annual budget goes toward
some form of patient financial
assistance. The critical services we
provide would not be possible without
generous gifts from our
donors.
Your tax-deductible donation can be
used in the following ways:
Clinical Services
provide compassionate care tailored
to each client.
Areas of Greatest Need
enable immediate response where it
is needed most.
Charity Care
make care available to everyone who
needs it.
Endowment
guarantee Oaklawn services for future
generations.
Capital Needs
provide the latest tools and technology
for state-of-the-art care
Community Enrichment
and Education
serve the community through outreach
programs.
For more information, contact the
Foundation office at
533-1234 ext. 645 or 646.
Our staff will help you choose the
method of giving that will be most
meaningful to you, including:
• Cash
• Stocks and securities
• Real estate
• Insurance
• Planned gifts, including bequests,
trusts and retirement plans
3
Jan.2013
Advocate
Summer 2014
yourmagazine
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