Evidence-Based Practice in the Health & Social Services in China: evelopments, Strategies, Challenges

For the past decade, China have made efforts to promote the development of evidence-based practice (EBP) in medicine and non-medical fields. The purpose of this article is to explore the current and the future development of EBP in health and social services in China. We first presented a brief account of EBP development in the Chinese context. Then, based on a systematic review and other literature searched, we explored empirical foundations that may support the development and advancement of EBP in China. We also elaborated on some barriers which inhibit the development of EBP, as well as proposed strategies that are in place to overcome these barriers. This article concludes with a discussion of perceived challenges to the development of EBP in health and social services in China. China has been making a great progress in economic development since 1997, however, there still have been so many social problems in the process of dramatic social changes [1]. In spite of large investments by the Chinese government to improve the well-being of the population, progress remains limited. One of the main reasons being identified for the lack of progression is that numerous decision making and practices are not based on evidence with the most up-to-date scientific data. More and more Chinese policymakers and researchers from various fields are seeking solutions from abroad. The purpose of this article is to explore the current and the future development of EBP in health and social services in China. The article will be elaborated from the development, empirical foundations, barriers which inhibit the development of EBP and challenges to the development of EBP in health and social services in China.