From Single Case to Evidence Base: Advancing Evidence‑Based Practice Through Case Study Meta-Synthesis

Abstract

Introduction. The Evidence‑Based Psychological Practice (EBPP) in Health Care guidelines published in 2021 by the American Psychological Association (APA) provide a comprehensive framework intended to underpin psychologists’ and psychotherapists’ work across health‑care settings. EBPP refers to a broad range of clinical activities, including psychological assessment, diagnosis, case formulation, prevention, treatment, psychotherapy, and consultation. At its core, EBPP is defined by a tripartite decision‑making process that integrates (1) the best available research evidence with (2) clinical expertise, while taking into account (3) patient characteristics, culture, and preferences. EBPP is conceptually distinct from the movement toward Empirically Supported Treatments (ESTs). ESTs denote…