Step One: Ask a Clinical Question
Using the PICO format can be instructive!
Patient Population
Intervention
Comparison Intervention
Outcome
Types of Questions: Etiology, Diagnostic, Prevention, Prognosis/Prediction, Therapy, Qualitative
Step Two: Acquire the most relevant, most current, best evidence. See Evidence Hierarchy image below.
Step Three: Appraise the evidence.
Step Four: Apply all evidence with clincial experience, patient preferences and values in making a practice decision or change.
Step Five: Access the practice decision or change.
EBP is a method of effectively translating EBM into practice: using the best existing evidence and research, knowledge of clinical experts, and patient preferences, in clinical practice.
Oral Health Professionals conduct Evidence-Based research to support Evidence-Based Practice. Practitioners use EMP because they want the best outcomes for their patients.
The Focus = finding evidence of the best methods, interventions and practices
The Evidence = found in the most current professional research literature
The Goal = best outcomes for the patient
