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Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 4:37-47 (2004)
© 2004 Oxford University Press; all rights reserved

Decision Tree: A Conceptual Tool for Best Practices

Making Theoretical and Evidence-Based Choices

   Elizabeth M. Plionis, PhD

From the National Catholic School of Social Service at the Catholic University of America.

Contact author: Elizabeth M. Plionis, PhD, Assistant Dean & Associate Professor, Catholic University of America, National Catholic School of Social Service, Cardinal Station, 620 Michigan Avenue, Washington, DC 20064. E-mail: Plionis{at}cua.edu.

The decision tree presented in this article is a conceptual tool that enables practitioners to make practice decisions based on conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of available knowledge. Consistent with evidence-based practice, the decision tree promotes rigor in the teaching and assessment of client needs and in the application of best solutions across diverse disciplines, fields, settings, problems, populations, theories, methods, and practitioner skill levels. As a prescription for practice, the decision tree allows practitioners to make prompt, critically informed decisions from a wealth of information while controlling for confounding factors that affect assessment and treatment outcomes. It serves as a handy quick reference tool for practitioners, agency supervisors, field instructors, practice educators, and learners who wish to engage in best practices.

KEY WORDS: conceptual tool, decision tree, best practices, quick reference, managing assessment and treatment choices, theory selection and case application






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