What does "evidence-based practice" refer to in nursing?

Evidence-based practice in nursing refers to the systematic integration of clinical expertise with the best available research evidence to make informed decisions about patient care. This approach ensures that the treatment or interventions provided are grounded in scientifically validated knowledge, alongside the nurse's own clinical experience, to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.

By combining the latest research findings with clinical expertise, nurses can assess the effectiveness and relevance of specific practices to individual patients. This leads to improved patient care, as the decisions made are tailored to current evidence while also considering the unique circumstances of each patient. It actively involves a continuous cycle of evaluation, application of new research, and adherence to guidelines that have been proven to yield successful results in similar cases.

This practice also emphasizes the importance of remaining current in medical research and adapting to new findings, which helps avoid reliance on outdated traditions or unwarranted practices that might not be beneficial to patients. Therefore, evidence-based practice ultimately enhances patient safety and the quality of health care delivered.