Practice-Based Evidence and the Need for More Diverse Methods and Sources in Epidemiology, Public Health and Health Promotion
Lawrence W. Green, John P. Allegrante
Abstract
Using practice-based evidence from the field to adapt evidence-based practices in guiding interventions in health promotion and public health has gained some traction in recent years. Although there are multiple sources of practice-based evidence, three—participatory research and Practice-Based Research Networks, systematic reviews and systems science—comprise the most promising potential candidates for collecting and analyzing organized evidence that demonstrates relevance, applicability or generalizability, and effectiveness. This paper argues for generating more diversity and complementarity in the methods and sources of evidence for epidemiology, public health and health promotion, if we are to improve population health and eliminate health disparities.