Evidence based practice

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 29, 2010

Here is a good definition -- paraphrased from a couple of different sources.

Evidence-based practice is a problem-solving approach that combines the best available scientific (research) evidence with the best availabe experiential evidence (from practicing professionals, patients, etc.).

In other words, EBP is a process we used to decide what course of action to take. We combine whatever research evidence is available with the other types of evidence we have available -- such as performance improvement data, the resources that are available, patient preferences, etc. -- and use all of that evidence to figure out the best approach to the particular problem or question.

A lot of different people have come up with a lot of models and diagrams and steps to do that -- but they are all saying essentially the same thing. Take both the research evidence and the non-research evidence and review it thoroughly and in a way that is rigorous in order to choose a course of action. Once you take a course of action, monitor the results and share those results with others so that they can learn from your experience. Your results become a new piece of evidence that adds to the overall knowledge/evidence base that can guide future practice.

Does that help?