Evidence-Based Practice is a process by which clinicians select assessment and intervention approaches to provide the most effective and efficient services possible. According to Sackett, Strauss, Richardson, Rosenberg, and Haynes (2000) it involves the combination of current research, clinical expertise and client values. The purpose of this investigation was to explore one situation in which there is conflict between the three components of EBP in relation to one therapeutic approach. Specifically, although the current research evidence does not support the use of non-speech oral motor therapy (NSOMT) with children who have phonological and/or articulation disorders, approximately 85% of clinicians use it, based on their expertise, as reported by Hodge, Salonka, and Kollias (2005). To date, there have been no detailed descriptions of clinicians’ views and opinions on controversial treatments, like NSOMT, and EBP. This study was developed to learn more about clinicians’ thoughts and views on NSOMT and EBP.
The participants were speech-language pathologists who have been practicing for over five years and who have used NSOMT for children with phonological and/or articulation disorders. Each clinician participated in a one-on-one interview with the researcher. During the interviews, they were asked questions pertaining to their client caseload, their history with using oral motor therapy, the three aspects of EBP, and EBP and NSOMT. The interviews were videotaped and transcribed, and the data were coded and analyzed for emergent themes regarding the clinicians’ opinions on NSOMT.