Research has shown that patient outcomes improve when nurses practice in an evidence-based manner (Black et al., 2015). Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been defined as "a conscientious, problem-solving approach to clinical practice that incorporates the best evidence from well-designed studies, patient values and preferences, and clinician's expertise in making decisions about a patient's care" (Evidence-based practice, n.d). It has been described as “a problem-solving approach to clinical care that incorporates the conscientious use of current best practice from well-designed studies, a clinician’s expertise, and patient values and preferences," and has been shown to increase patient safety, improve clinical outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and decrease variation in patient outcomes (Black, et al., 2015).
Evidence-based practice often begins during patient interactions, which raise questions about treatment effectiveness, the usefulness of diagnostic tests, disease prognosis, or the causes of certain conditions.
References
Black, A. T., Balneaves, L. G., Garossino, C., Puyat, J. H., & Qian, H. (2015). Promoting evidence-based practice through a research training program for point-of-care clinicians. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 45(1), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000151
Evidence-based practice (n.d.). Nurse.com. https://www.nurse.com/evidence-based-practice.