Evidence‐based Protocols: Merits, Drawbacks, and Potential Solutions

Considerable evidence supports the utility of evidence-based protocols in clinical practice in treating a range of psychological symptoms. However, there are significant barriers to their use. We briefly review theoretical models underlying evidence-based practice and how these relate to use of evidence-based treatment protocols. We then discuss the merits of evidence-based protocols. Common concerns about limitations to using evidence-based protocols in clinical practice follow. Challenges in dissemination and implementation of evidence-based protocols are then reviewed. In addition, current/potential solutions are presented alongside these challenges, to provide suggested avenues for improving the integration of evidence-based protocols into routine clinical practice in a broader range of practice settings moving forward.