Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach to the delivery of health care that integrates the best evidence from studies and patient care data with clinician expertise and patient preferences and values. Evidence-based practice is the integration of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence into the decision making the process for patient care. Clinical expertise refers to the clinician’s cumulated experience, education, and clinical skills. The patient brings to the encounter his or her own personal preferences and unique concerns, expectations, and values. The best research evidence is usually found in clinically relevant research that has been conducted using sound methodology.

Health care that is evidence-based and conducted in a caring context leads to better clinical decisions and patient outcomes. Gaining knowledge and skills in the evidence-based practice process provide nurses and other clinicians the tools needed to take ownership of their practices and transform health care. Key elements of a best practice culture are evidence based practice mentors, partnerships between academic and clinical settings, evidence based practice champions, clearly written research, time and resources, and administrative support.

Evidence based practice (EBP), alternatively known as empirically supported treatment(EST) is the preferential use of mental and behavioral health interventions for which systematic empirical research has provided evidence of specific problems; EVIDENCE  BASED PRACTICE promote the collection, interpretation, and integration of valid, the important and applicable patient-reported, clinician observed, and research derived evidence.