David Sackett defined evidence-based medicine as "the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients."
The Center for Evidence-Based Medicine
epb oral history
What is Evidence-Based Practice?
Evidenced-based practice (EBP) is applying or translating research findings in our daily patient care practices and clinical decision-making.
It is the framework for your clinical decision-making process.
It is the integration of:
your knowledge, skills, and past experience (Clinical Expertise);
the unique preferences, concerns and expectations of your patient (Patient Characteristics); and
valid and clinically relevant research (Best Evidence).
5 A's - Steps for Acquiring Information
When making clinical decisions it's important to consider the 5 A's:
Assess: Review the Situation
Ask: Define the clinical problem as a question
Acquire: Select resources, design a strategy, and search for the answer