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Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) utilizes scientific evidence to guide clinical decision-making. EBP involves developing a focused clinical question, then acquiring and evaluating the best available evidence.

What is Evidence-Based Practice?

Venn diagram of Best Research Evidence, Patient values & circumstances and Clinical Expertise overlapping with EBP in center

The integration of the best research evidence with our clinical expertise and our patient’s unique values and circumstances.”

Straus et al., Evidence-Based Medicine: How to Practice and Teach EBM

These components allow clinicians to make decisions supported by research and provide individualized, patient-centered care.

The EBP Process

The process begins with the patient and proceeds with the following steps:

  1. Ask a clinical question
    Identify the patient need and use a tool such as PICO to develop a focused clinical question.
  2. Acquire the best available evidence
    Use the evidence pyramid to identify the best study types for your question. Search databases to find the best relevant evidence.
  3. Appraise the evidence
    Use the quality of evidence checklist to critically evaluate the research.
    4. We can help with steps 1, 2 & 3!
  1. Apply the evidence in practice
    Combine the evidence with your clinical expertise and the patient’s values and preferences.
  2. Assess the outcome
    Monitor and evaluate to determine the effectiveness of the intervention
Ask A c qui r e A pp r aise A ppl y Assess EB P P r o c ess

Questions & Help

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