What does the term “evidence-based practice” entail?

The term “evidence-based practice” encapsulates a systematic approach to clinical decision-making that seeks to improve patient outcomes by integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. This process ensures that healthcare professionals are not solely relying on outdated methods or personal beliefs but are using current and credible research to inform their practice.

By combining clinical expertise—the clinician's past experience, education, and skills—with the highest quality research evidence, practitioners can utilize a holistic view which can lead to better patient care and treatment decisions. This foundation allows for adapting methods that consider individual patient circumstances, making it an effective and dynamic approach to healthcare.

In contrast, the options involving patient opinion over scientific research, traditional methods without questioning, and reliance on anecdotal evidence lack the rigor and validity that evidence-based practice demands, ultimately reducing the effectiveness and safety of healthcare delivery.