This text investigates the necessity of integrating empirical research methods into clinical practice to ensure accountability and efficacy within modern managed care environments. The authors, all prominent figures in clinical psychology, argue that the traditional divide between research and practice is obsolete. They provide a framework for clinicians to utilize single-case designs and systematic assessment tools to evaluate treatment outcomes, thereby aligning clinical work with the demands of contemporary health care delivery systems.

This work is regarded as a foundational text for clinicians seeking to bridge the gap between academic research and daily practice. The framing suggests a highly technical and pragmatic approach, intended for professionals who require rigorous tools to justify treatment efficacy in a managed care landscape.