Evidence-Based Practice

Step 4: Apply the information

If you have appraised the evidence and found it to be valid, significant and applicable to your patient, then the next step is to decide whether and how to apply the findings to the care of your patient.

It is at this step when you bring together and consider the best research evidence with the other areas of EBP. 

Click on the plus (+) icons below to understand more about each area of EBP.

Text accessible version

Clinical Expertise

Clinical expertise is developed through practical experience and theoretical knowledge, and it significantly influences clinical judgment and the quality of care provided to patients. Clinical expertise often develops over time, and there are ways that you can work to improve yours, including: 

• Exposure to clinical judgment learning experiences: Engaging in varied learning experiences such as simulations provides valuable opportunities to navigate complex clinical situations in a controlled environment. These simulations mimic real-life scenarios, allowing practitioners to refine their decision-making skills, enhance critical thinking, and build confidence in their clinical judgment. Additionally, exposure to diverse cases, either through direct patient care or case discussions, broadens one's perspective and fosters adaptability in clinical reasoning. 
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Staying abreast of the latest advancements, evidence-based practices, and emerging technologies is essential for refining clinical expertise. Participating in CPD activities, including workshops, seminars, conferences, and online courses, ensures that healthcare professionals remain updated on best practices and innovations in their respective fields. By continuously expanding their knowledge base, clinicians can optimize patient care and adapt to evolving healthcare landscapes. 
• Reflection: Reflection is a fundamental component of professional growth and skill refinement. Regularly reviewing clinical encounters, both successful interventions and challenging cases, facilitates deep learning and self-awareness. Through reflection, clinicians can analyse their decision-making processes, identify areas for improvement, and refine their clinical reasoning skills.

Patient values and circumstances

Understanding a patient's health beliefs, personal beliefs, religious affiliations, and values helps healthcare providers bridge any gaps between their own knowledge and the patient's perception of their health. This fosters tailored treatment choices aligned with the patient's holistic needs and expectations, ultimately improving treatment outcomes. Encouraging patients to actively participate in decision-making, despite potential limited knowledge about their options, is crucial. Additionally, it's essential to consider the patient's preferences and goals regarding their treatment, ensuring that the plan reflects their individual desires and aspirations for their health outcomes. 

Clear and empathetic communication, along with active listening, are essential for building a strong partnership. Clinicians must convey medical information clearly, ensuring it's understandable and validating the patient's experiences. Patients should feel empowered to ask questions and voice their preferences. 

Decision support tools can greatly assist in this shared decision-making process, providing patients with comprehensible information and aiding healthcare providers in facilitating informed discussions.

Practice Context

Assessing the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing evidence-based recommendations within an organisation's workplace context is crucial for ensuring effective patient care delivery. Consideration of the practice context encompasses various factors, including institutional resources, policies, and constraints, as well as the dynamics of the healthcare team and the broader organisational culture. Here are some key points to consider: 

• Resource Availability: Evaluate the availability of resources such as staffing, equipment, and financial resources within the organisation. Determine whether the proposed interventions or changes align with the available resources and infrastructure. For example, implementing a new technology may require additional training for staff or investments in equipment, which should be feasibly accommodated within the organisational budget and capacity. 
• Organisational Policies and Procedures: Familiarise oneself with the existing policies and procedures of the organisation, as they may influence the implementation of evidence-based practices. Consider whether the proposed recommendations align with established protocols or if modifications are necessary to ensure compliance while maintaining patient safety and quality of care. 
• Workflow Integration: Consider how the proposed interventions or changes will integrate into existing workflows and processes within the organisation. Assess potential disruptions or bottlenecks that may arise and develop strategies to mitigate these challenges. Seamless integration into workflow routines enhances the likelihood of sustained implementation and adherence to evidence-based practices over time.