Introduction
As healthcare professionals, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with evidence-based practice. However, with the growing interest in evidence-informed practice, it can be challenging to determine which approach to choose. In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between evidence-informed and evidence-based practice and help you choose the best approach for your practice.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Evidence-informed practice is focused on integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values and preferences. This approach acknowledges that not all clinical decisions can be made based on strictly high-quality evidence alone. Instead, the clinician must use their clinical expertise to determine the best approach based on all available information. This approach may also incorporate patient-specific factors such as their culture, socioeconomic status, or comorbidities.
One example of evidence-informed practice is a clinician who is deciding whether to prescribe a new medication for a patient with a history of adverse reactions to similar drugs. While there may not be any high-quality evidence available, the clinician can use their clinical expertise and other patient-specific factors to make an informed decision.
Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based practice, on the other hand, is focused on using the best available evidence to make clinical decisions. This approach involves searching for the highest quality evidence available, critically appraising it, and applying it to the individual patient.
One example of evidence-based practice is a clinician who is deciding whether to prescribe a new medication for a patient with a specific condition. The clinician would search for high-quality evidence supporting the use of the medication in this particular patient population, critically appraise it, and apply it to the individual patient accordingly.
Which Approach Should You Choose?
Both evidence-informed and evidence-based practice have their merits, and the approach taken may depend on individual patient circumstances. Evidence-informed practice may be more suitable in cases where high-quality evidence may not be available or when the clinical decision requires the evaluation of patient-specific factors. Evidence-based practice may be more suitable in cases where high-quality evidence exists and can be evaluated.
It’s worth noting that both approaches require the clinician to keep up-to-date with the latest evidence and incorporate patient values and preferences in clinical decision-making. It’s also essential to consider potential biases and limitations in the evidence when applying it to individual patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both evidence-informed and evidence-based practice are critical approaches to healthcare decision-making. The choice of approach may depend on individual patient circumstances and the availability of high-quality evidence. Regardless of the approach taken, it’s essential to remain up-to-date with the latest evidence, critically appraise it, and incorporate patient values and preferences in clinical decision-making.
