ebpp and meta-analysis

evidence based practice in psychology

The integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture, and preferences

best available research

A sizeable body of scientific evidence drawn from a variety of designs and methodologies

Can include case studies, RCT’s (randomized controlled trial), qualitative research, meta-analysis, etc.

clinical expertise

Competence attained through education, training, and experience that results in effective practice

We must integrate the research findings with clinical data (patient’s characteristics and preferences)

“Local clinical scientist” = using scientific approach to conducting therapy

Can relate to assessment, diagnosis, decision-making, self-reflection, etc.

patient characteristics

What works for whom

Important characteristics to consider: Disorders, readiness to change, age

Therapy is most likely to be effective when therapists are responsive to patient’s problem, strengths, personality, sociocultural context, and preferences

meta-analysis

A set of statistical techniques for aggregating data from multiple studies

why is integrating across studies challenging

The apples to oranges problem; the idea that people will measure things in very different ways across different studies

strengths of meta-analysis

Organized analysis of information

Effect size

weaknesses of meta-analysis

effort
qualitative data lost
methodological quality

the process of meta-analysis

1. Problem Formulation

   1. Specific research question

   2. Not post-hoc!

2. Literature Search

   1. Inclusion/exlusion criteria

   2. Consider study characteristics like treatment/age/design/publication language