ABSTRACT
This special volume provides community-based aging services professionals with an overview of evidence-based health practice and examples of its applicability and importance to their work. Learning the process of planning and implementing evidence-based programs will offer providers better tools to address the mounting organizational challenges they face today: increasing competition; capitated reimbursement and escalating costs; and demands for improved outcomes, cost effectiveness, and customer satisfaction (Sobolewski & Marren, 2000). Evidence-based practice also provides a vehicle for providers to deliver high quality services to their older and frail clients, helping them to preserve or restore function, maintain or improve physical and mental health status, and prevent or delay institutionalization.
