Evidence-based practices

Evidence-based practices are strategies, interventions or approaches that have been tested through rigorous research and consistently shown to produce positive results.

Evidence-based practices:

Are clearly defined (you know exactly what the practice is and how to use it).
Have been tested and shown to produce positive results.
Are based on a mix of research, expert knowledge and the needs and values of the people involved.

Ensuring evidence-based practices happen in the real world requires more than just having research — it takes leadership, training, accountability systems, supportive policies and collaboration with the people being served. When these pieces work together, evidence-based practices can move from theory into everyday practice, leading to better outcomes for professionals and communities alike.

Why evidence-based practices matter

Using evidence-based practices helps professionals make smart, informed decisions that lead to better outcomes for the people they support — whether in education, health care, therapy or social work. Evidence-based practices were developed to ensure that professionals rely on interventions proven to be effective, safe and efficient.
How are evidence-based practices established?
Evidence-based practices are established through a systematic process:
- Research and evaluation – Studies test whether an intervention produces reliable, positive outcomes.
- Replication – Results must be consistent across different populations, settings and researchers.
- Review and synthesis – Evidence is analyzed through systematic reviews, meta-analyses and expert panels.
- Professional endorsement – Professional organizations and governing bodies validate and recommend practices.
- Ongoing monitoring – Evidence-based practices are regularly reassessed as new data and innovations emerge.
Why are evidence-based practices critical for the practicing profession?
- Accountability: Professionals can demonstrate that their methods are proven to work, which builds credibility and trust.
- Consistency: Evidence-based practices provide a standardized foundation for practice, helping ensure quality across different settings.
- Professional Growth: Using evidence-based practices keeps practitioners current with new knowledge, fostering ongoing learning and improvement.
- Resource efficiency: Evidence-based methods reduce wasted time and resources on ineffective practices.
Why are evidence-based practices important for people who receive services and supports?
- Better outcomes: People benefit from services that are more likely to help them achieve their goals.
- Safety: Evidence-based practices reduce risks by avoiding untested or harmful approaches.
- Empowerment: People can make informed choices when professionals explain the evidence behind interventions and support.
- Equity: Grounding practices in evidence helps reduce bias and ensure fair access to effective services and supports.
How to tell if a practice is evidence-based
Sometimes it is hard to find complex data to check if a practice is evidence-based. If that is the case, just ask the following questions:
- Is the practice clear? What exactly is being done? Who is doing it and how? Who is it for? What is it supposed to achieve?
- Are the outcomes clear? What is the goal? How does it help the person? How do you know if it worked?
- Is there proof it works? Or is there data or info showing the practice leads to the results?
- Was a proper process used to check if it’s evidence-based? Did someone follow steps to confirm it really works (like checking studies and making sure the results are reliable)?
If you can answer yes to these, chances are the practice is evidence-based.