The term "best practice" has different meanings and definitions for people. There is no universally accepted definition for the term "best practice."1 Often the terms "lessons learned"and "best practice" are used interchangeably. Lessons learned are normally the approaches and methods viewed as the best practices, although they have not been scientifically researched and evaluated with scrutiny. Unfortunately, lessons learned may be examples of what not to do, and it may be best to learn from the lessons as opposed to continuing to rely on tradition. Tradition is not an easy entity to part with, even when it has proven not to be in our best interest, in any facet of life. Even in healthcare, tradition may serve as the reasoning behind some decisions. In an ever-changing healthcare world, tradition is no longer acceptable as the motive behind decisions that affect the lives of patients. For healthcare providers, the goal is to make "best practice" the standard model for change and for care.
The Association of Maternal Child Health Programs conducted a literature review in public health professions to compile commonly used and accepted definitions of "best practice."2 Common examples and themes found for the definition fell into 3 categories: promising practice, evidence-based practice, and science-based practice.
A promising practice integrates the philosophy, values, characteristics, and indicators of health interventions that have had promising effects. Evidence-based practice has positive outcomes derived from qualitative and quantitative data and has been subjected to expert review. Science-based practice has been evaluated using theory-based research methodology and is replicable with the same results in various settings. A "model program" is often an example of "best" practice. In reference to the definitions listed above, the Center for Best Practices defines a "model"program as one integrating promising, evidence-based, and science-based practice that results in positive public health outcomes and can be implemented with repeated success in various environments.
This issue of Family and Community Health (volume 29, issue 4) features articles that reflect community focused health programs that are innovative and easy to replicate in other areas. They are clear examples of "best practice." These articles are intended to guide the design and implementation of similar programs in other communities. Whether working on a current program or attempting to establish a new program, one of these articles may be an excellent resource. From infant, children, teenagers, people with chronic health issues, and the elderly, these articles offer inventive and resourceful "best practice" examples. I hope that the articles in this issue, which are described in the Foreword, will indeed inspire and guide public health and community endeavors for readers.
Jeanette Lancaster
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