Question

Evaluate why evidence-based practice is used and how it mproves care.

Answer 1

The evidence-based practice is defined as the problem-solving approach to clinical practice that combines the conscientious use of best evidence in combination with a clinician's expertise, patient preferences and values, and available healthcare resources in making decisions about patient care.

The outcomes of evidence-based practice may influence the interventions used with one person, within one development, or at a regional or national level if clinical guidelines are developed. It is a guide for how nurses make accurate, timely, and appropriate clinical decisions. Nurses are using the best available evidence, combined with their clinical judgment and patient preferences to influence the nature and direction of health care delivery, and document outcomes related to the quality and cost-effectiveness of patient care.

Clinicians use the best, up-to-date research evidence to help diagnosis and treat individual patients. Clinicians need be able to access, evaluate, interpret, and apply the medical literature.

Evidence-based practice: a three-part approach to patient care:
1. Valid research findings grounded in theory and science = RESEARCH
2. Clinical expertise and practical experience = EXPERIENCE
3. The medical needs, psycho-social interests, and ethical and religious values of the individual patient = SPECIFIC PATIENT

Research results can offer evidence and validation for clinical decisions made in an attempt to provide optimal patient care. One role of research in EBP is to complement the clinical experience with patient preference. Another role of research in EBP is to provide basic guidelines for conducting, interpreting, and applying empirical research ( observations) to clinical practice.

EBP is about recognizing clinical problems; asking good clinical questions; finding, critically evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing the evidence; and applying the best, most relevant evidence to clinical decisions and patient care recommendations. The distinguishing characteristic of EBP is that it assigns a hierarchy to specific categories of evidence.
The systematic review process is guided and directed based on the clinical question.