Policy implications for implementing evidence-based practices

The authors describe the policy and administrative-practice implications of implementing evidence-based services, particularly in public-sector settin gs. They review the observations of the contributors to the evidence-based practices series published throughout 2001 in Psychiatric Services. Quality and accountability have become the watchwords of health and mental health services; evidence-based practices area means to both ends. If the objectiv e of accountable, high-quality services is to be achieved by implementing e vidence-based practices, the right incentives must be put in place, and sys temic barriers must be overcome. The authors use the framework from the U.S . Surgeon General's 1999 report on mental health to describe eight courses of action for addressing the gap between science and practice: continue to build the science base; overcome stigma; improve public awareness of effect ive treatments; ensure the supply, of mental health services and providers; ensure delivery of state-of-the-art treatments; tailor treatment to age, s ex, race, and culture; facilitate entry into treatment; and reduce financia l barriers to treatment.