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

Abstract

PurposeThe present investigation examines the time, effort, and resources that evidence-based practice (EBP) requires, and looks at what types of results are obtained.MethodPrinciples of EBP as outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association were applied to 3 treatment case studies.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionEBP 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.