Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Evidence-based medicine, or evidence-base practice is "the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient. It means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research."

1. ASK - Convert the need for information into a focused clinical question. Use the PICO framework. 

2. ACQUIRE - Track down the best evidence with which to answer that question.

3. APPRAISE - Critically appraise the evidence for its validity, impact, and applicability.

4. APPLY - Integrate the evidence with your clinical expertise and your patient's preferences and values. 

5. ASSESS - Assess the results of your intervention. 

2 Key Rules of EBM

1. Not all evidence is created equal - A hierarchy of evidence guides clinical decision-making.
2. Evidence alone is never enough - Competent clinicians balance risks and benefits of management strategies in the context of patient values and preferences. 

Here are a list of guides that contain information related to Evidence-based Medicine: