Questions Raised about Evidence-Based Practice in Outdoor Education
Funders in a growing number of fields are placing increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice (EBP) in making decisions about the kinds of programs to fund. The author of this paper, who works for Outward Bound Canada, raises questions about whether this trend is appropriate in the realm of adventure education and therapy. Broadly, evidence-based practice refers to a way of managing, and especially funding, programs based on research results that demonstrate programs' effectiveness. Evidence-based medicine, social work, and health services are now common.