There are a lot of different definitions regarding what evidence-based practice, or EBP, is, but simply put, it is a combination of:
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 defines the five steps to the EBP process as follows.
Assess the situation: Can improvements be made to the current method of treatment for a patient?
Formulate a clear and detailed question using the PICO(t) format.
Consult your librarian for the best possible evidence from high quality, peer-reviewed sources
Evaluate the evidence for quality using critical appraisal tools
Apply the information in combination with clinical experience and patient values
The EBP pyramid is a visual representation that depicts the quality level of a particular type of evidence — the higher on the pyramid it features, the better the quality. Note: People are fallible, and even though a systematic review or meta-analysis may feature at the top of the pyramid, if it is poorly researched and written, a well-executed lower level of evidence can prove better.
