Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Best Practice is the best application of the available evidence to current activities in the drug field. Evidence-based knowledge and practice, that is the experience and lessons learned from the implementation of evidence-based interventions, are two key dimensions of the Best Practice concept.
Objectives: To develop a knowledge-base on the EMCDDA website providing reliable information on the latest scientific evidence as well as on the practical aspects of implementation throughout Europe.
Methods: We search for systematic reviews and summarise resultsin plain language modules following the Patients-Interventions-Comparisons-Outcomes-Type of studies logic.Interventions are scored for the level of evidence based on the GRADE assessment system, and results are grouped by the level of impact on patients (the upper level being `Beneficial' and the lower `Evidence of ineffectiveness'). Tables with summaries of ongoing studies are also available. The EMCDDA's network of national focal points regularly submits examples of interventions that are assessed according to the level of evidence.
Results: The Best Practice Portal (BPP) (www.emcdda.europa.eu/best-practice) currently contains modules on treatment, and harm reduction and prevention. The modules are biannually updated with new evidence. A system for collecting relevant questions and commissioning Cochrane systematic reviews is being studied. Experience from practice is presented in a separate section, including a collection of European standards and guidelines and a collection of real-life projects from 30 European countries (EDDRA database).
Conclusions: Identification of evidence and implementation experiences has important implications in highlighting research gaps as well as defining research priorities. The BPP is the result of our first effort to bridge evidence and practice, to disseminate and promote evidence-based interventions throughout Europe and foster a common approach.
Objectives: To develop a knowledge-base on the EMCDDA website providing reliable information on the latest scientific evidence as well as on the practical aspects of implementation throughout Europe.
Methods: We search for systematic reviews and summarise resultsin plain language modules following the Patients-Interventions-Comparisons-Outcomes-Type of studies logic.Interventions are scored for the level of evidence based on the GRADE assessment system, and results are grouped by the level of impact on patients (the upper level being `Beneficial' and the lower `Evidence of ineffectiveness'). Tables with summaries of ongoing studies are also available. The EMCDDA's network of national focal points regularly submits examples of interventions that are assessed according to the level of evidence.
Results: The Best Practice Portal (BPP) (www.emcdda.europa.eu/best-practice) currently contains modules on treatment, and harm reduction and prevention. The modules are biannually updated with new evidence. A system for collecting relevant questions and commissioning Cochrane systematic reviews is being studied. Experience from practice is presented in a separate section, including a collection of European standards and guidelines and a collection of real-life projects from 30 European countries (EDDRA database).
Conclusions: Identification of evidence and implementation experiences has important implications in highlighting research gaps as well as defining research priorities. The BPP is the result of our first effort to bridge evidence and practice, to disseminate and promote evidence-based interventions throughout Europe and foster a common approach.