One important criterion for establishing an evidence-based practice is that findings:

The cornerstone of establishing an evidence-based practice (EBP) is the accumulation of scientific evidence through rigorous, repeated investigation. A single study is insufficient to validate a practice. To be considered "evidence-based," an intervention's effectiveness must be demonstrated across multiple high-quality studies, preferably randomized controlled trials (RCTs), conducted by different researchers in various settings. This process of replication ensures that the findings are reliable, valid, and not due to chance, specific circumstances, or investigator bias. The strength of the evidence base is directly related to the number and quality of supporting investigations.

A. A fidelity scale is a tool used to measure how well an established EBP is being implemented; it is not a criterion for establishing the evidence base itself.

C. Scientific literature can contain contradictory findings. An EBP is established by the overall weight and quality of supporting evidence, not the complete absence of any conflicting results.

D. Implementation within service programs is the goal or application of an EBP after its effectiveness has been established through research, not a criterion for its validation.

1. Corrigan, P. W., Mueser, K. T., Bond, G. R., Drake, R. E., & Solomon, P. (2008). Psychiatric Rehabilitation (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press. In Chapter 3, "Evidence-Based Practice," the authors state, "Evidence-based practices are specific interventions that are based on the findings of multiple, well-conducted research studies" (p. 49).

2. Drake, R. E., Goldman, H. H., Leff, H. S., Lehman, A. F., Dixon, L., Mueser, K. T., & Torrey, W. C. (2001). Implementing evidence-based practices in routine mental health services. Psychiatric Services, 52(2), 179–182. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.52.2.179. The article defines EBPs as practices established through "a body of replicated research evidence" (p. 179), emphasizing the need for multiple supporting studies.

3. Bond, G. R., Drake, R. E., & Becker, D. R. (2020). The critical ingredients of individual placement and support. World Psychiatry, 19(2), 240–241. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20764. This article on a specific EBP notes its foundation on "27 randomized controlled trials," illustrating the principle that a robust evidence base is built from numerous investigations.