Chapter 11 Flashcards
(88 cards)
Origin and Goal of Evidence-Based Practice (Institute of Medicine (IOM), 2001)
- The IOM emphasized the importance of integrating research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values into HC decision-making
- Τhe goal of EBP is to improve patient outcomes by using the best available evidence rather than relying solely on tradition, intuition, or personal experience
- This approach ensures that HC is not only effective but also personalized and scientifically sound
- Not a new concept; it has historical roots
Three parts of EPB
- Best research evidence
- Clinical expertise
- Patient Preference & Values
Best research evidence
Refers to the most current and high-quality scientific studies available; this includes randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses
Clinical Expertise
Incorporates the knowledge and skills of HC professionals developed through experience and education
Patient Preference & Values
Acknowledging that HC decisions should respect individual patient needs, beliefs, and circumstances
Early example of EBP - Scurvy and Vasco de Gama
- Scurvy: Greater mortality in early European navies than due to shipwrecks and naval battles
- Vasco de Gama (1497): 100/160 sailors die of scurvy on voyage from Portugal, around Africa, to India
- Benefitted from local remedies
- Controlled experiments were conducted on scurvy
Early example of EBP - Jacques Cartier (1535) to James Cook (1776)
- Jacques Cartier (1535): Iroquois provide assistance to sailors over-wintering on St Lawrence River
- James Lancaster (1601): 4 ships from England to India, 3 with regular diet, 4th with 3 teasponss of lemon juice a day
- At hald-point, 40% of sailors on ships 1-3 had died; none on ship 4 died
- James Cook (1776): “early adopter” of EBP, required all sailors to have fresh water, fresh food, and foods with atiscorbutic properties (ex. citrus fruits, sauerkraut)
Early example of EBP - 1795 to 1865
- 1795: British Navy (Royal Navy) finally implemented a routine diet including citrus fruits to prevent scurvy
- 194 years since Lancaster data available
- The adoption drastically reduced scurvy cases in the Navy
- 1865: British Board of Trade (Merchant Navy) adopted citrus-based prevention much later, in 1865
- 264 years since Lancaster data available
- The delay highlights the slow translation of scientific evidence into widespread medical and policy changes
- This case serves as a critical lesson in EBP - even with strong data, implementation can be slow due to cultural resistance, lack of awareness, and institutional inertia
Timeline for adoption of anti-scurvy practices
- 1497-1500s (anecdotal reports demonstration)
- 1600-Mid 1700s (evidence of intervention and prevention)
- 1795-1865 (implementation of policy on consumption of vitamin C in navy voyages)
Psychotherapy
Informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting ppl to modify their behaviours, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that the participants deem desirable
Psychotherapy in practice
- It involves clinical methods and interpersonal techniques grounded in psychological principles
- The goal is to support individuals in achieving desired personal changes, improving mental health, and enhancing well-being
- Psychotherapy can be applied in various forms, including CBT, psychoanalysis, and humanistic approaches
- Emphasizes collaboration between therapist and client to tailor treatment to individual needs
- Two-way street: should be conversation not preaching out the client
APA Resolution on Effectiveness of Psychotherapy
- In 2012, the APA officially recognized psychotherapy as an effective and cost-effective HC service; The resolution emphasizes that psychotherapy is evidence-based and should be integrated into the HC system
- Benefits of the resolution included validating psychotherapy as a scientifically supported treatment
- Promotes insurance coverage and accessibility for mental HC (not all therapies are covered)
- Reinforces psychotherapy’s role in reducing HC costs by preventing more severe mental health issues
Potential Shortcomings of Resolution
- The resolution alone does not guarantee policy changes or insurance reimbursement
- Implementation depends on HC providers, policymakers, and insurers
- Some still question effectiveness across different ppns and conditions
- This highlights the ongoing challenge of translating research into widespread HC adoption
Psychotherapy Code
- Within professional relationship (ethical and structured interaction, one sided and professional)
- Emphasis on psychological principles
- Broad: Affect, behaviour, cognition
- Acknowledges client/patient goals
- But does not address whether services are EB, there is a need for researched approaches
Alternative Definition as Psychological Treatment
- Unlike general psychotherapy, psychological treatment explicitly requires an EB approach
- It focuses on treating clinically significant emotional and behavioural problems; emphasizes scientific validation and structured interventions
- This definition aligns with the principles of EBP, ensuring that treatments are backed by research
- need to be 100% research based unlike psychotherapy
Ethics of intervention
- Informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement in psychological treatment; before starting treatment, individuals have the right to be informed about available EB options
- Psychologists must discuss medication options when relevant; (any out of all) psychological treatments they can provide; treatments they are NOT trained in, ensuring referrals to qualified professionals when necessary
- This ensures ethical practice, patient autonomy, and access to appropriate care
Psychotherapy as a controlled act - What is the practice of psychotherapy (Ontario Psychotherapy Act, 2007)
Assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means (silence, active listening), delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on verbal or non-verbal communication
Psychotherapy as a controlled act
- In many jurisdictions, psychotherapy is not a controlled act, meaning it can be practiced without strict regulatory oversight
- The lack of regulation in some areas concerns about quality control, practitioner qualifications, and patient safety; some regions regulate psychotherapy to ensure ethical standards and EBP
Examples of Discredited Psychotherapies - Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)
Claims to enhance communication and change behaviour but lacks empirical support (which is what it is discredited for)
Examples of Discredited Psychotherapies - Rebirthing
A dangerous practice involving forced breathing techniques, linked to fatalities
Examples of Discredited Psychotherapies - DARE (Drug abuser resistance education)
Shown to be ineffective in preventing substance abuse among youth
Examples of Discredited Psychotherapies - Scared Straight
Exposing at-risk youth to prison environments; research indicates it increases criminal behaviour rather than deterring it
What is there is no EBT that matches client needs exactly?
- Adopt the one that is closest (similar clientele, diagnosis); applying principles from existing EBT that share similarities with the client’s concerns
- Adapt and change development if necessary; Monitoring client progress and adjusting interventions based on their response
- Abandon if evidence shows it does not fit and replace with another EBP (need a tailored treatment); Integrating clinical expertise and patient preferences while ensuring ethical practice (treatment remains evidence informed)
Theoretical Approaches - Short-Term Psychodynamic Therapies (STPT)
Focus on unconscious conflicts and emotional processing in a brief, time-limited format