What does "evidence-based practice" mean in nursing?

Evidence-based practice in nursing is best described as the process of integrating clinical expertise with the best available research evidence and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions. This approach emphasizes the importance of utilizing the most current and relevant information available, along with the practitioner's own skills and experiences, to ensure that patient care is effective and based on solid scientific foundations.

By combining clinical expertise—what the nurse has learned through education and practice—with systematic research findings, nurses can make informed decisions that enhance patient outcomes and improve the overall quality of care. This method seeks not only to use established methods but also to continuously adapt and evolve practice based on new evidence and insights gained through ongoing research.

In contrast, relying solely on personal experience or opinions neglects the objective data that can inform best practices. Similarly, strictly adhering to theoretical knowledge or established traditions without questioning their relevance can hinder the advancement of care and fail to address the unique needs of patients in a dynamic healthcare environment. Thus, evidence-based practice stands as a crucial component of modern nursing, ensuring that care is both relevant and grounded in solid research.