Apply
You will now be required to apply the best available evidence with your clinical expertise, as well as your patient's preferences to inform care decisions.
This process includes tailoring interventions to individual patient needs, encouraging shared decision-making, implementing evidence-based care plans, and continuously monitoring and adjusting interventions based on patient progress. Documentation, reflection, and effective communication within the healthcare team are integral to this step, promoting ongoing learning and improved patient outcomes.
Elements of EBP 
The key elements of evidence-based practice are:
- Best research evidence
- Clinical expertise
- Patient values and circumstances.
When applying the studies you have found in practice, it is important to do so in the context of the other two elements.
You should already have identified a body of best research evidence consisting of high-quality research findings appraised during the previous steps of the EBP process (Ask, Access, Appraise).
Consider the evidence gathered:
- Have you searched widely for relevant research evidence?
- Have you critically appraised the research to select the best evidence?
- Are the studies that you have selected applicable to your patient's condition?
This evidence is now ready to be integrated into the clinical decision-making process. The best available evidence can now be integrated with the clinician's own expertise and judgment with consideration toward the patient's values and circumstances. This collaborative approach ensures that decisions are not solely based on research but also consider the practitioner's experience and knowledge of the specific patient population.
Understanding and respecting patient values and circumstances contributes to informed decision-making, increased treatment acceptance and adherence. Healthcare providers should collaborate with patients to formulate and implement evidence-based care plans, which may include medication management, lifestyle modifications, and therapeutic interventions.
Consider these questions in regard to your critical question and the application of your research:
- What are your patient's circumstances?
- What are your patient's views, values, and beliefs?
- Does your patient have any concerns, stresses, or fears?
- Does your patient have any preferences for treatment?
This patient-centred approach promotes ethical healthcare by upholding principles of autonomy and cultural sensitivity, enhancing communication, and encouraging personalised and individualised care plans. This leads to higher patient satisfaction, adherence, and contributes to comprehensive health outcomes beyond clinical indicators.
Clinical expertise is a vital aspect of evidence-based practice, involving diagnostic skills and decision-making abilities to assess patients, identify health issues, and formulate accurate and effective treatment plans. Additionally, clinical expertise is crucial for conducting thorough risk-benefit assessments when evaluating different treatment options, ensuring informed decisions that maximize positive outcomes while minimizing harm.
- Do you have the expertise to implement the recommendations?
- Is the recommended tool/intervention feasible in your setting?
- Will the potential benefits outweigh any potential harm?
- Are there any additional considerations relevant to your organisation?
Clinicians should use their diagnostic and decision-making skills to tailor interventions which consider the broader patient context, conduct risk-benefit assessments, and exercise sound clinical judgment.
Once you have implemented your evidence-based practice, you need to audit and evaluate it to see if it is effective.
Study and research support
Beginner study and research support:
Intermediate and advanced research support:
Library resources
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