NURS3170: Principles of Evidence-Based Nursing

At the center of evidence-based practice (EBP) is the patient. The goal of EBP is to utilize the best research evidence, combined with professional experience and the patient's values and preferences to improve health outcomes.

• Best research evidence: the highest quality and most current research related to a patient, typically found through a structured literature search and evidence review
• Professional experience: the provider's experience, education, and training in providing care to patients
• Patient's values and preferences: the experiences, beliefs, and values held by the patient related to their health

Image from UC Davis Library Evidence-Based Practice Resource Guide

EBP provides many benefits to patients and clinicians, including:

1. Prioritizes the needs of the patient when considering treatment options
2. Build confidence in decision making by reducing uncertainty and providing evidence of a treatment option
3. Fosters shared decision making between clinicians and patients
4. Provides continued learning opportunities for nurses by introducing new interventions and care protocols
5. Reduces health care costs by identifying best practices and preventing complications