Evidence-based practice in the health and social services in China: developments, strategies, and challenges

For the past decade, healthcare professionals and decision makers in China have made efforts to promote the development of evidence-based practice (EBP) in medicine and health services. In recent years, attention has been given to the use of EBP among other nonmedical fields, such as social work and education. The purpose of this article is to explore the current and the future development of EBP in health and social services in China. We first presented a brief account of EBP development in the Chinese context. Then, based on a literature search, we explored empirical foundations that may support the development and advancement of EBP in China. We also elaborated on some barriers that inhibit the development of EBP, and proposed strategies that are in place to overcome these barriers. This article concludes with a discussion of perceived challenges to the development of EBP in health and social services in China.