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Evidence-Based Practice

What Is Evidence-Based Practice?

There are a lot of different definitions regarding what evidence-based practice, or EBP, is, but simply put, it is a combination of:

  • Scientific research
  • Clinical expertise 
  • Patient preferences

Evidence-based practice combines hard objective research with clinician expertise and patient preference, creating a holistic method of treatment greater than the sum of its parts. As new scientific studies discover better treatments, this model represents an evolving and ever improving way to improve practice methods and approaches to patient care.

Sackett's Five Steps to Evidence-Based Practice

Sackett defines the five steps to the EBP process as follows.

Graphic with the five steps for evidence-based medicine: Assess EBM process, ask a question, acquire evidence, critically appraise evidence, and apply evidence

Assess

Assess the situation: Can improvements be made to the current method of treatment for a patient?

Ask

Formulate a clear and detailed question using the PICO(t) format.

Acquire

Consult your librarian for the best possible evidence from high quality, peer-reviewed sources

Appraise

Evaluate the evidence for quality using critical appraisal tools 

Apply

Apply the information in combination with clinical experience and patient values