In the speech-language and hearing professions there is often an urgency to find what works, even without always understanding why-especially when dealing with a difficult diagnosis and treatment. This year's ASHA Convention affords the speech-language and hearing community a valuable opportunity to step back and thoroughly examine the science behind the successes.
The ASHA Convention program is designed to connect the dots-presenting research and case studies that help explain why the latest tests and treatments work wherever possible-so that researchers and clinicians alike can apply their knowledge to new cases more effectively.
Building this convention program around the 2005 theme "Using Evidence to Support Clinical Practice," was challenging, but well worth the effort. Brenda Ryals, 2005 Convention Co-Chair (Audiology) explains, "By combining the best research and the best clinical expertise, we will indeed be bringing evidence to our best clinical practice."
Brian Shulman, 2005 Convention Co-Chair (Speech-Language Pathology) goes on to say, "As clinicians and/or researchers, we must continue to expand upon the scientific knowledge base of our profession. The information we generate from asking empirically based questions will, over time, increase the quality and efficacy of the services we provide."
The program committee's overarching goal is to educate attendees about what evidence based practice is-what levels of evidence might be available for various practices and what levels of evidence are appropriate-and finally to expose all attendees to both practical issues and basic science issues so that the two can be integrated for "best practice."
Reprinted by permission of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Focused on 'Using Evidence to Support Clinical Practice'
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