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
Evidence-based practice (n.d.). Nurse.com. https://www.nurse.com/evidence-based-practice.