What does the term "evidence-based practice" refer to?

The term "evidence-based practice" refers to the integration of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence in decision-making. This approach emphasizes using the most up-to-date research findings to inform and guide healthcare decisions while considering the unique preferences and values of patients and the clinical skills of healthcare providers.

By merging these three components—research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences—evidence-based practice aims to improve patient outcomes and ensure that care is both effective and tailored to individual needs. It reflects a commitment to high-quality care and continuous improvement within healthcare settings, which is essential for delivering optimal patient outcomes.

This concept is foundational in modern healthcare, contrasting significantly with practices that rely solely on intuition, historical methods, or top-down decision-making without collaborative input from the healthcare team or consideration of patient values.