Introduction

Evidence-based practice in CAMHS is epitomised by the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in decision-making about the care of young people and families (Sackett et al, 1997). Evidence-based practice therefore strives to:

1. • improve decision-making

2. • encourage cost-effective use of limited resources

3. • enhance knowledge among CAMHS practitioners

4. • assist in communication with families and facilitate collaborative, informed decision-making.

The underlying philosophy of evidence-based practice is that therapeutic interventions should be rational, measurable and observed to benefit their recipient (Laugharne, 1999). This leads to an attempt to standardise the way that all healthcare workers make clinical decisions, with a strong emphasis on using the best evidence available from research.

In this statement the government set an agenda that obliges all healthcare professionals to use evidence-based approaches to their clinical decision-making. A First Class Service (Department of Health, 1998) specifies that a quality organisation will ensure that evidence-based practice is in day-to-day use, with the infrastructure to support it. Evidence-based practice has been driven by the need for accountability to commissioners, families and those funding services. Standards for Better Health (Department of Health, 2006) states that healthcare organisations ensure that they conform to NICE technology appraisals and, where it is available, take into account nationally agreed guidance when planning and delivering treatment and care. Inertia can be induced when practitioners are required to work differently, which might present a barrier to the implementation of evidence-based practice. There are attendant risks of evidence-based nihilism, if professionals seek ‘perfect’ rather than the best-available evidence (Ramchandani et al, 2001). Research is provisional by nature, and will only provide definitive answers to specific populations.