Originally described as evidence-based medicine (EBM), the concept has been applied to other fields and may be referred to as evidence-based practice (EBP), among other variations.

“[Evidence-based medicine] …integrates the best external evidence with individual clinical expertise and patients' choice.”

“…the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.”

Sackett DL et al. Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't.

BMJ. 1996;312(7023):71-72. PMID: 8555924

EBP is the intersection between best research evidence (what's in the literature), patient values (what the patient wants), and clinical expertise (the clinician's experience).

EBP is not just a concept but also a set of action items, referred to as the EBP cycle. This guide addresses the first three steps.

• Ask a clinical question
• Acquire evidence to answer the question
• Appraise the evidence 
• Apply the evidence to practice
• Assess the effects of the new practice