Burden of proof: the evidence clinicians require before implementing an intervention

BACKGROUND: Greater implementation of evidence-based practice for children and adolescents is a current emphasis in the mental health field; however, there is a need to understand how best to disseminate these interventions and convince community clinicians to use them. METHOD: A sample of 255 clinicians reported on the likelihood that they would use an intervention given various types of evidence. RESULTS: Case studies and clinical trials with an active or placebo control group scored as the most preferred types of evidence; however, more positive attitudes toward evidence-based practice predicted preferences for clinical trials, but were not related to case studies. CONCLUSION: Implementation of evidence-based practice may be improved by greater dissemination of case studies demonstrating the use of these interventions in 'real world' settings. In addition, fostering a greater appreciation of research-derived interventions among clinicians appears necessary.