A Case-Based Approach to Teaching Evidence-Based Practice and Motor Speech Disorders

ABSTRACT: Principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) have been gradually infused into the undergraduate and graduate curriculum in speech-language pathology. However, the multiple steps involved in the EBP process require substantial background in research methods and ample exposure to a variety of communication disorders and clinical practice procedures. This article will describe a case-based approach for teaching graduate students to use EBP procedures to treat motor speech disorders in adults. This teaching strategy was used successfully to facilitate students’ understanding of the inextricable connection between research and clinical practice in communication disorders. Two case studies, developed by graduate students, illustrate how the students used the EBP process to make well-informed decisions about treatment.