Jalie A Tucker1, David L Roth. 1. Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA. jtucker@uab.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: This paper examines the evidence-based practice (EBP) movement in the context of the developmental status of theory, research and practice on substance use disorders. SCOPE: Hierarchical views that favor randomized controlled trials (RCTs) over other forms of evidence are reviewed, and the benefits and limitations of RCTs are considered as they intersect with contemporary issues in the field. FINDINGS: RCTs with lengthy follow-up intervals comprise an important piece of the relevant evidence base, especially for establishing treatment efficacy, but their continued centrality as the 'gold standard' of evidence for informing substance abuse practice is questioned. CONCLUSIONS: Given the status of knowledge, advances in science and practice will probably come from longitudinal studies of the changeable course of addictive behaviors and processes over long time frames and that investigate linkages with treatment selection factors and other surrounding contextual variables that also change through time. Benefits of evidentiary pluralism for advancing an interdisciplinary approach to research and practice are considered.
PURPOSE: This paper examines the evidence-based practice (EBP) movement in the context of the developmental status of theory, research and practice on substance use disorders. SCOPE: Hierarchical views that favor randomized controlled trials (RCTs) over other forms of evidence are reviewed, and the benefits and limitations of RCTs are considered as they intersect with contemporary issues in the field. FINDINGS: RCTs with lengthy follow-up intervals comprise an important piece of the relevant evidence base, especially for establishing treatment efficacy, but their continued centrality as the 'gold standard' of evidence for informing substance abuse practice is questioned. CONCLUSIONS: Given the status of knowledge, advances in science and practice will probably come from longitudinal studies of the changeable course of addictive behaviors and processes over long time frames and that investigate linkages with treatment selection factors and other surrounding contextual variables that also change through time. Benefits of evidentiary pluralism for advancing an interdisciplinary approach to research and practice are considered.
Authors: Lawrence S Brown; Steven Kritz; Edmund J Bini; Ben Louie; Jim Robinson; Donald Alderson; John Rotrosen Journal: J Natl Med Assoc Date: 2010-12 Impact factor: 1.798
Authors: Adam J Gordon; Lynn E Sullivan; Daniel P Alford; Julia H Arnsten; Marc N Gourevitch; Stefan G Kertesz; Hillary V Kunins; Joseph O Merrill; Jeffrey H Samet; David A Fiellin Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2007-05-10 Impact factor: 5.128