What is evidence-based practice (EBP)? The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses defines it as “the conscientious use of current best evidence in making decisions about patient care.” The National Council of State Boards of Nursing explains it as “the integration of the best research with clinical expertise and patient values.” Evidence-based practice is an approach that combines the following:

• A systematic search for and critical appraisal of the most relevant evidence to answer a burning clinical question
• One’s own clinical expertise
• Patient preferences and values

EBP helps nurses assess research, clinical guidelines and other resources in order to apply those findings to provide quality care for patients. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing further explains the EBP definition: “the elements in the definition emphasize knowledge produced through rigorous and systematic inquiry; the experience of the clinician; and the values of the patient, providing an enduring and encompassing definition of EBP.”

Often times you’ll hear “best research” referred to when discussing EBP. This term is commonly used to describe how nurses and other professionals identify reliable research, combine best practices and utilize those findings in healthcare settings, according to The Online Journal of Issues of Nursing. To use “best research,” nurses need to identify what methods could potentially work to improve patient care and identify processes proven to help.

Another important term in the EBP definition is “clinical expertise.” This refers to the knowledge that nurses carry from gaining experience in the workplace. The combination of on-the-job expertise combined with medical research and the values of the patient are what make EBP such a strong tool.

Nurses use EBP to explore both the internal and external influences on practice, according to The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Library. Critical thinking is often imperative when seeking to apply research to the care of patients, whether that means individuals or patient populations as a whole.