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Abstract
The purpose of this article is to offer further support to the concepts of Evidence-Based Research (EBR) and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). Definitions, characteristics, connections and important clarifications between the two concepts and their impact in science, health and society are made throughout the text. Indicative important EBP protocols are proposed while David and Montgomery's unique Psychotherapies Classification Framework is highlighted because it stresses the importance of taking into consideration the combination between theory and therapeutic package as a basis for efficacy classification. We also propose that treatment packages could be tested across different types of theories given that practice should be accompanied by a general theory of concepts, a classificatory schema of problems/issues, a theory of problems/issues and a theory of change. Finally, we discuss the current status of EBR and EBP in psychology and psychotherapy while we comment on the critical importance of the integration of EBP protocols in contemporary health care systems and societies.
Keywords: evidence-based research, evidence-based practice, evidence-based protocol, theory and therapeutic package, general theory of concepts, classificatory schema of problems, theory of problems, theory of change.
Introduction
Evidence Based Research (EBR) is a multidisciplinary approach to practice that signifies a scientific base not only for effectiveness but also for efficacy of treatment programs. Not all mental health professionals know and/or receive training in EBR and consequently many people do not receive accountable services. Yet, it is widely accepted that professionals must be well- informed about the newest knowledge in order to best serve their clients and remain professionally relevant and responsible (Patterson-Silver Wolf, Dulmus, & Maguin, 2012) because a vast amount of studies have demonstrated improved health outcomes and a general attitude that treatments should be based in scientific evidence (Institute of Medicine, 2001).
EBR was fully unfolded back in the 90's as the cornerstone of contemporary medicine for the improvement of physical health and as a means of protection from the dangers of non-scientific views. The contemporary scientific seeds of EBR had already been planted by Cochrane (1972), who suggested that because resources would always be limited, they should be used wisely to provide forms of health care which had been shown in properly designed evaluations to be effective, while he maintained that the most reliable evidence...