Evidence-Based Practice

About this Guide

This guide offers insights and resources for navigating the principles and procedural steps of Evidence-Based Practice.

What is Evidence-Based Practice?

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is an approach to decision-making centred around the following elements: 

• Research evidence: the use of the best available evidence (the findings of research).
• Clinical expertise: knowledge, skills and judgement gained through experience and education.
• Patient’s and/or population’s values and circumstances: beliefs, preferences, and unique situations of each patient or population.
• Practice content: the context of the workplace situation.

Why is Evidence-Based Practice important?

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is widely employed across diverse health disciplines such as medicine, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and social work.  

EBP is regarded as fundamental to delivering high quality patient care by informing decision-making processes and facilitating the delivery of optimal healthcare services.  

Moreover, EBP serves as a vital mechanism for healthcare professionals to remain up to date with the latest advancements in their respective fields, avoiding outdated practices and embracing contemporary best practices.