What Is Evidence Based Practice

Evidence Based Practice

What is Evidence Based Practice (EBP)? The term evidence-based practice (EBP) has developed from the term evidence-based medicine (EBM) which was introduced into medical literature in 1991. While the actual concept of EBM developed within the last 25 years, it has been practiced for a long time, with early scientists and physicians noting which treatments more frequently led to good outcomes for patients

A commonly used definition of Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is; “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. The practice of EBM requires the integration of individual clinical expertise from systematic research and our patient’s unique value and circumstances” Strauss et al (Sackett D): Evidence-based medicine, ed. 3,2006.

In more simple terms evidence medicine (EBM) uses the best evidence from high quality clinical research to making decisions about the care of individual patients. Data generated from thousands of patients in clinical research studies become the basis of how individual clinicians make decisions to use treatment modalities that lead to successful outcomes for the patient.

A commonly used definition of Evidence-based practice is (EBP): “Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) requires that decisions about health care are based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence. These decisions should be made by those receiving care, informed by the tacit and explicit knowledge of those providing care, within the context of available resources”. Dawes M, Summerskill W, Glasziou P et al 2005, BMC Medical Education 5(1) 1-7

EBP is a way of providing health care that is guided by a careful integration of the best available scientific knowledge along with the clinical expertise, at the same time taking into account patient’s value, unique concerns and preferences. [1]

Three Fundamental Principles Of Evidence Based Practice

Fundamental principles of EBP

In the original model there are three fundamental components of evidence based practice.

  • Best evidence which is usually found in clinically relevant research that has been conducted using sound methodology

  • Clinical expertise refers to the clinician's cumulated education, experience and clinical skills

  • Patient values which are the unique preferences, concerns and expectations each patient brings to a clinical encounter.


It is the integration of these three components that defines a clinical decision evidence-based. This integration can be effectively achieved by carrying out the five following steps of evidence-based practice.[2]

What Drives the Increased Push for EBP?


  • EBP improves quality of patient care, leads to better diagnosis, treatments and outcomes.

  • EBP reduces chances of medical errors.

  • EBP can help manage the cost of rising health care by abolishing use of outdated clinical practices. When providers use EBP, it results in fewer hospitalizations, tests, and treatments. Saves money, resources and time in the long run.

  • EBP encourages research and innovation in the field of healthcare. By using the latest research to guide patient care, EBP helps to promote discoveries and advances in the field of medicine

  • EBP allows for better health care reimbursements and increases consumer and payer expectations that practice is based on valid evidence.

  • EBP encourages patient’s participation. It encourages patients to take an active role in their health and allows them to make informed decisions about their treatment options, again leading to better outcomes.

  • EBP reduces variability in health care, it allows for patients to receive same level of care no matter where they receive the treatment. It allows for delivery of more consistent and standardized health care.

  • EBP fosters better communication, cooperation and collaboration of health care providers which ultimately leads to better patient care and better outcomes.[4]