What are “Best Practices”?

The term “best practices” refers to the growing body of knowledge about treatments, services and strategies that have been evaluated and consistently show better results than comparable approaches. Evidenced-based practice (EBP) is a related concept which holds that patient care decisions should be informed by the best research evidence available. In most cases, this means evidence based on findings from empirical studies using the scientific method. David Sackett, an early pioneer of EBP, emphasizes the integration of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence available in the formation of patient care decisions.

A big part of the Resources to Recover mission is to identify and promote best practices in mental health. If you had cancer or a broken leg, you would not use a treatment that had not been scientifically tested and proven effective. Unfortunately, that’s how many people treat their mental health, using remedies or treatments that have no proven benefit. RtoR can help you identify only the best and most effective treatments so you or someone you care about can focus on getting better.

Recommend a best practice.

RtoR Featured Best Practice: IPS Supported Employment

For many adults living with mental illness, work is a top priority. Supported employment programs help people achieve their recovery goals by assisting to find and maintain employment. The best programs use an approach known as “choose, get, keep” that focuses on real jobs, at competitive wages, in fully integrated work settings. Find out more about how the RtoR-approved evidence-based practice of IPS Supported Employment can help you or a loved one get and keep a job.

To find out more about best practices and mental health resources, contact one of our resource specialists.