Evidence-based practice in communication disorders: what do we know, and when do we know it?

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology and audiology
• Clinical medicine

Background:

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) offers a structured approach to address persistent questions in communication disorders.
• EBP challenges traditional perspectives within speech-language pathology and audiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain how EBP principles challenge conventional wisdom in communication disorders.
• To outline EBP criteria for evaluating diagnostic procedure evidence.
• To underscore the importance of EBP for enhancing clinical decision-making and field credibility.

Main Methods:

• Review of EBP literature relevant to diagnostic procedures.
• Description of criteria for evaluating evidence quality in diagnostic studies.
• Explanation of diagnostic accuracy measures and limitations of small-sample studies.

Main Results:

• Rigorous scientific studies offer a superior foundation for clinical decisions compared to expert opinions.
• Five key EBP criteria are presented for assessing diagnostic studies.
• Understanding diagnostic accuracy measures and sample size limitations is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to EBP criteria in designing, conducting, and interpreting studies elevates evidence quality.
• Improved evidence quality supports better clinical decision-making in communication disorders.
• Implementing EBP principles enhances the overall credibility of the speech-language pathology and audiology field.