What does "evidence-based practice" involve?

Evidence-based practice involves integrating clinical expertise with external clinical evidence, which ensures that healthcare decisions are informed by the best available research, clinical knowledge, and patient values. This approach emphasizes the importance of using scientifically validated data to make informed decisions about patient care, rather than relying solely on traditional practices or personal experiences.

By combining clinical expertise—knowledge and skills gained through experience in practice—with external evidence derived from systematic research, clinicians can provide care that is not only effective but also tailored to the individual needs of their patients. This method aims to enhance the quality of care by ensuring that practices are based on the most current and relevant scientific understanding, thereby improving patient outcomes.

The other options do not align with the principles of evidence-based practice. Following traditional methods only lacks the component of integrating current research, which may not be the most effective approach. Implementing practices based solely on opinion does not take into account the need for researched and verified evidence, while relying on anecdotal experiences can lead to inconsistencies and potential harm, as such experiences may not be representative of broader trends or effective treatments.