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Nursing Faculty Resources

Evidence-Based Practice

What is Evidence-Based Practice?

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) can be defined as the integration of the best available research evidence with individual clinical expertise and patient values and preferences.

(EBP ven diagram from UC Davis Library Evidence-Based Practice Resource Guide)

The EBP Process:

  1. Ask a clear clinical question
  2. Acquire best available evidence
  3. Appraise evidence for quality
  4. Apply evidence to practice
  5. Assess the outcomes
Ven diagram of overlapping circles with EBP in the center: best scientific evidence, clinical experience and patient values

EBP Process: Ask Acquire Appraise Apply Assess

7 Steps of EBP

from Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt

  1. Cultivate a spirit of inquiry
  2. Ask clinical questions in PICO(T) format
  3. Search for the best evidence
  4. Critically appraise the evidence
  5. Integrate the evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences and values
  6. Evaluate the outcomes of the practice decisions or changes based on evidence
  7. Disseminate EBP results