What is Evidence Based Practice (EBP)?
• “Evidence-based practice is access to, and application and integration of evidence to guide clinical decision making to provide best practice for the patient/client. Evidence-based practice includes the integration of best available research, clinical expertise, and patient/client values and circumstances related to patient/client management, practice management, and health care policy decision making. Aims of evidence-based practice include enhancing patient/client management and reducing unwarranted variation in the provision of physical therapy services.(p.2)” 7 • As the body of evidence in rehabilitation grows, the need to review current practice also continues. We may need to away from those practices which were common-place historically, but simply do not demonstrate significant benefit when extensively researched. EBP is the combination of clinical experience and scientific evidence of effectiveness in decision-making with regard to a specific patient.
