VA/DoD Evidence-Based Practice Guideline Work Group

The VA/DoD Evidence-Based Practice Guideline Work Group (EBPWG) was established to advise the VA/DoD Health Executive Council (HEC) on the use of clinical and epidemiological evidence to improve the health of the population across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Military Health System.  The EBPWG has two co-chairpersons (one from VA and one from DoD) and include representatives for each military branch and the VHA Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN).  The workgroup was first chartered in 2004. 

• 2010 Charter

The responsibilities of VA/DoD EBPWG are:

• Facilitate on-going implementation of evidence-based clinical advances into practice
• Champion the integration of evidence-based clinical practice into current developing information systems
• Foster integration of evidence-based practice into VA/DoD initiatives related to health promotion, disease prevention, and wellness initiatives
• Adopt or adapt, develop, implement, and sustain evidence-based clinical practice guidelines
• Assess the effectiveness of implementation and make recommendations to maximize performance improvement
• Identify opportunities and make recommendations for research related to evidence-based practice within VA/DoD

The EBPWG selects topics for implementation of evidence-based indicators based on high cost, high volume, high risk, and problem prone conditions.  These topics are prioritized based on cost, feasibility, and knowledge of the etiology of the gap.  The work group also coordinates evidence reviews to support recommendations for care as well as maintaining and updating VA/DoD evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.  The evidence-based process and outcome indicators are used to assess the efficacy of the implementation process.  The EBPWG also promotes the use of medical informatics to support clinical decision-making. 

Other Resources