Evidence-based practice: critical appraisal of qualitative evidence.

One of the key steps of evidence-based practice is to critically appraise evidence to best answer a clinical question. Mental health clinicians need to understand the importance of qualitative evidence to their practice, including levels of qualitative evidence, qualitative inquiry methods, and criteria used to appraise qualitative evidence to determine how implementing the best qualitative evidence into their practice will influence mental health outcomes. The goal of qualitative research is to develop a complete understanding of reality as it is perceived by the individual and to uncover the truths that exist. These important aspects of mental health require clinicians to engage this evidence.