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Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice: A Comprehensive Guide

Derrick Hughes

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Published in Clinician S Guide To Research Methods In Family Therapy: Foundations Of Evidence Based Practice

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Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a systematic approach to decision-making that uses the best available evidence to inform clinical practice. It relies on scientific research and data to provide a foundation for decision-making, as opposed to relying on tradition, personal experience, or intuition. EBP is considered essential in providing safe, effective, and efficient healthcare.

The roots of EBP can be traced back to the 19th century, when physicians began to apply scientific methods to medical practice. In the early 20th century, the development of clinical trials and randomized controlled trials provided a more rigorous way to evaluate the effectiveness of medical interventions. The term "evidence-based medicine" was first coined in the 1990s, and the concept has since been adopted by other healthcare professions.

The principles of EBP are:

Clinician's Guide to Research Methods in Family Therapy: Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice

by JoEllen Patterson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Use the best available evidence. This means using the most current, valid, and reliable research studies to inform practice.
Critically appraise the evidence. This means evaluating the quality of the research studies and determining whether the results are applicable to your patients.
Consider patient preferences and values. The best available evidence is not always enough to make a decision. You also need to consider patient preferences and values when making a treatment decision.
Make an informed decision. Once you have considered all of the available evidence, you can make an informed decision about the best course of action for your patient.

The steps of EBP are:

Ask a clinical question. What is the best way to treat this patient?
Search for the best available evidence. Do a literature search using databases such as PubMed or Cochrane Library.
Critically appraise the evidence. Evaluate the quality of the research studies and determine whether the results are applicable to your patient.
Consider patient preferences and values. Talk to your patient about their goals and preferences for treatment.
Make an informed decision. Based on the available evidence and patient preferences, make a decision about the best course of action for your patient.

There are many benefits to using EBP, including:

Improved patient outcomes. EBP has been shown to improve patient outcomes in a variety of healthcare settings.
Reduced healthcare costs. EBP can help to streamline healthcare delivery and reduce waste.
Greater patient satisfaction. Patients are more likely to be satisfied with their care when they know that it is based on the best available evidence.
Increased professional satisfaction. Healthcare professionals who use EBP report greater job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.

There are also some challenges to using EBP, including:

Time constraints. EBP can be time-consuming, especially when you are first starting out.
Access to resources. Not all healthcare professionals have access to the resources they need to practice EBP.
Bias. It can be difficult to remain objective when evaluating research studies.
Changing practice. Putting EBP into practice can require changing your current practice, which can be challenging.

EBP is a systematic approach to decision-making that uses the best available evidence to inform clinical practice. It has been shown to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and increase patient and professional satisfaction. Despite the challenges, EBP is an essential component of quality healthcare.

Clinician's Guide to Research Methods in Family Therapy: Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice

by JoEllen Patterson

4.7 out of 5