Evaluation parameters for evidence-based practices for people with autism spectrum disorder: a narrative review of group and single-subject design studies

Abstract Recommendations for using evidence-based practices have become increasingly common in services for individuals diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to conduct a narrative literature review to identify differences and similarities in evidence-evaluation criteria for group and single-subject designs that empirically support interventions for people with ASD. Data sources used in this analysis were reports and articles elaborated by different clearinghouses (i.e., National Autism Center, National Professional Development Center, and the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice). The criteria for evaluating evidence, as defined by these documents, contained specific components or quality indicators for each type of study design. The different criteria for evaluating evidence and for classifying the interventions (once evidence was evaluated) were identified and described. This manuscript discusses the need for (a) expanding the analysis beyond the evidence identified by different researchers and organizations such as the clearinghouses, (b) proposing interventions that are based not only on scientific evidence but also on social validity — which is directed by client idiosyncrasies, and (c) attention to the fact that EBPs should not be seen as static information regarding interventions with empirical support: evidence-based practices are the result of constant analysis of the intervention implementation data added to professional training and client values and context. Some additional issues and the study limitations are also presented.

Aproximación epistemológica a las ciencias que soportan las prácticas basadas en la evidencia: anotaciones críticas / Epistemological approach to the sciences that support evidense-based practice / Aproximação epistemológica às ciências que suportam as práticas baseadas na evidência: anotações críticas

Presentamos en este artículo de reflexión un abordaje epistemológico a las disciplinas científicas que soportan las prácticas basadas en la evidencia: para ello se toma como modelo a la epidemiología clínica como proveedora de conocimiento para la medicina que basada en la evidencia. Se problematiza la idea de progreso que plantean estas prácticas en su enunciación. Se resaltan las inconveniencias de la importación ciega de los métodos de la física y la química para estudiar los fenómenos de la vida (lo humano allí incluido). Además se revisa críticamente la definición del objeto de la epidemiología clínica (el enfermo) subrayando algunas deficiencias en su marco conceptual. Se concluye planteando las limitaciones que esta propuesta presenta, lo cual disminuye su alcance explicativo y su coherencia interna.

We present in this reflection article, an epistemological approach to scientific disciplines that support evidence-based practices: for it, the clinical epidemiology modeled was selected as a provider of knowledge to evidence-based medicine.The idea of progress proposed by these practices in their enunciation is problematized. The inconveniences of blind import methods of physics and chemistry to study the phenomena of the life (human there included) are highlighted. Also,a critically review of the definition of the object of clinical epidemiology (the patient) highlighting some shortcomings in its conceptual framework. We conclude by asking the limitations in this proposal, which decreases its explanatory scope and internal consistency.

Apresentamos neste texto de reflexão uma abordagem epistemológica das discipli-nas científicas que suportam as práticas baseadas na evidência: para tanto, se toma como modelo à epidemiologia clínica como provedora de conhecimento para a medicina baseada na evidência. Problematiza se a ideia de progresso que propõem essas práticas em seu enunciado. Ressaltam-se as inconveniências da importação cega dos métodos da física e da química para estudar os fenómenos da vida (o humano aí incluso). E se revisa criti-camente a definição do objeto da epidemiologia clínica (o enfermo) sublinhando algumas deficiências em seu marco conceitual. Conclui-se propondo as limitações que esta proposta apresenta, o que diminui seu alcance explicativo e sua coerência interna.

Frecuencia de uso de prácticas médicas basadas en la evidencia en el cuidado del parto en hospitales de la ciudad de Medellín, Años 2004 y 2005 / Usage frequency of medical practices based on the evidence in the childbirth attention in hospitals of Medellín, Colombia, 2004-2005

Antecedentes: la mayor parte de las muertes maternas en Medellín, durante los años 2003 y 2004, ocurrieron durante el parto o inmediatamente después y en la mayoría de los casos se detectaron problemas de calidad en la atención.1 Un aporte en la evaluación del proceso de atención de las gestantes es conocer la aplicación de algunas prácticas beneficiosas, inefectivas o perjudiciales durante la atención del parto.Objetivo: conocer la frecuencia de utilización de algunas prácticas beneficiosas, inefectivas o perjudiciales en la atención del parto en tres instituciones de salud de la ciudad de Medellín.METODOLOGÍA Y SITIO: estudio descriptivo y prospectivo en tres instituciones de salud de la ciudad de Medellín, una pública y dos privadas, que atienden pacientes de primer, segundo y tercer niveles de complejidad.Resultados: en las instituciones estudiadas el 30,7 por ciento de los partos fueron por cesárea, aún se rasura el periné en el 12 por de los casos de parto vaginal, no se realizó el partograma en el 31,5 por ciento, el 43,1 por ciento de las mujeres no estuvieron acompañadas por algún familiar o allegado durante el trabajo de parto, el 76,1 por ciento tuvieron el parto en posición supina, en el 19,3 por ciento no se realizó manejo activo del alumbramiento, al 71.4 por ciento de las primigestantes se les realizó episiotomía y al 55 por ciento de las sometidas a cesárea no se les aplicaron antibióticos profilácticos.Conclusiones: aún existen prácticas en la atención del parto que se emplean o se dejan de emplear independientemente de las recomendaciones vigentes en la literatura médica

BACKGROUND: Most maternal deaths in Medellín in 2003 and 2004 occurred during childbirth or immediately afterwards. In the majority of cases, quality problems in medical attention were detected. Knowledge of the application of some beneficial, ineffective or harmful practices during childbirth attention is a contribution to the evaluation of the attention process of pregnant women. METHODOLOGY, OBJECTIVE AND SETTING: Descriptive and prospective study to know the usage frequency of some beneficial, ineffective and harmful practices during childbirth attention in three health institutions located in Medellín, Colombia, one of them public and the other two, private. They see patients of the first, second and third levels of complexity. RESULTS: At the institutions included in the study 30.7% of childbirths were carried out by Caesarean section. In 12% of vaginal childbirth cases, the perineum was shaved. In 31.5% of the situations, partogram was not performed. In 43.1% of cases women were not accompanied by any relative or close friend during childbirth work, and 76.1% of patients had their childbirth in supine position. In 19.3% of cases, an active handling of childbirth did not take place. 71.4% of first-time pregnant women underwent an episiotomy. Prophylactic antibiotics were not applied to 55% of the mothers delivered by Caesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: Some practices in medical attention of childbirth are still used or avoided despite the current recommendations of the medical literature