Evidence-based clinical practice is a growing trend in medicine and is part of the curriculum at Palmer College of Chiropractic. This guide explains the concept of evidence-based clinical practice and gives search strategies for chiropractic students to hone their EBCP skills.
What is evidence-based clinical practice?
Evidence-based clinical practice is the integration of scientific evidence, clinical expertise and patient values. Clinicians are encouraged to use the latest and most reliable research when treating individual patients. In order to do so, they must be familiar with research methods and be able to critically appraise current health care literature.
Why would chiropractors use an evidence-based approach?
Research and knowledge of best practices are constantly evolving, and chiropractic students are educated and trained in the best and most current practices. However, in an evidence-based approach, practicing clinicians continue their education, combining current evidence with their own clinical expertise and patient input in order to provide the most effective care.
1. ASK a clinical question.
2. ACQUIRE evidence by searching appropriate resources.
3. APPRAISE the evidence for validity, impact and applicability.
4. APPLY evidence along with clinical judgment and patient values.
5. ASSESS the results.
