Reconstructing evidence-based practice: an investigation of three conceptualisations of EBP

Abstract

English This article uses programme theory reconstruction to investigate three conceptualisations of evidence-based practice (EBP). The first two are taken directly from the literature and contrasted with a third taken from a relevant policy programme. The article argues that ‘evidence-based practice’ is not a homogeneous concept, and that interested parties within research, practice and policy may not have a shared vision of EBP even though they may use the same terminology. It is important for the successful implementation of EBP within practice and policy that there is a clear understanding of what EBP is and how EBP is supposed to work if research, policy and practice are to work together toward common goals.