With this landmark resource, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) will learn to apply best evidence as they make critical decisions about the care of each individual they serve. The first to cover this important topic for the communication disorders field, this book introduces SLPs to the principles and process of evidence-based practice, thoroughly covering its three primary components: external evidence from systematic research, internal evidence from clinical practice, and evidence concerning patient preferences.SLPs will get the in-depth guidance they need to- construct the right questions about best evidence- find the reliable information they need to answer these questions- evaluate the validity of both internal and external evidence- weigh the importance of empirical evidence, whether from a research study or from an individual patient- help patients fully understand clinical options and express their preferences- conduct systematic, critical appraisals of treatment evidence, diagnosis and screening evidence, and evidence from systematic reviews or meta-analyses