Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
Page reviewed and updated: December 2023
Evidence-based practice involves the incorporation of three components to improve outcomes and quality of life. External evidence includes systematic reviews, randomized control trials, best practice, and clinical practice guidelines that support a change in clinical practice. Internal evidence includes health care institution-based quality improvement projects, outcome management initiatives, and clinical expertise. Accounting for patient preferences and values is the third component of this critical equation.
Research + Clinical Expertise + Patient Preference = EBP
Our evidence-based resources will help you understand the true meaning of evidence-based practice and why it is so important to incorporate all three components. It is not enough to base practice on one research study. A critical analysis of available research, putting the findings in the context of your organization, and adding the perspectives and judgment of clinicians and patients is imperative for true evidence-based practice.
Translating Evidence into Clinical Practice
Why should we, as nurses, use evidence-based practice? Evidence-based practice:
- Leads to highest quality care and patient outcomes
- Reduces health care costs
- Reduces geographic variations in the delivery of care
- Increases healthcare provider empowerment and role satisfaction
- Reduces healthcare provider turnover rate
- Increases reimbursement from 3rd party payers
- Reduces complications and payment denials
- Meets the expectation of an informed public.
Translating Evidence into Professional Practice
Professional practice based on evidence improves healthcare practice, improves patient outcomes, and lowers healthcare costs. An environment which supports evidence-based practice is essential to your professional development. Whether you are in a position of leadership making decisions about implementing evidence-based practice or a clinician looking for employment in an institution that supports evidence-based practice, be aware of the following measures which support evidence-based practice:
- Proper tools and resources, including evidence-based journals and databases
- Adequate numbers of computers throughout the institution with intranet and internet capability
- Clinical systems that incorporate EBP information
- Clinical practice policies and procedures based on evidence
- Journal clubs
- EBP rounds.
This collection of articles is from the Arizona State University College of Nursing and Health Innovation's Center for the Advancement of Evidence-Based Practice. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach to the delivery of health care that integrates the best evidence from studies and patient care data with clinician expertise and patient preferences and values. When delivered in a context of caring and in a supportive organizational culture, the highest quality of care and best patient outcomes can be achieved. The purpose of this series is to give nurses the knowledge and skills they need to implement EBP consistently, one step at a time.
This series has received the Nursing Media Award for Print from Sigma Theta Tau International Awards for Nursing Excellence.