What is Evidence-Based Practice?

Abstract

Evidence-based practice are the buzz words of current health care. This article explores what evidence-based practice actually means for occupational therapists. Evidence-based practice has two strands. The first strand involves using the best available evidence as part of the clinical decision-making process. The second strand involves drawing the evidence together in the form of systematic reviews. These reviews may then be used to help inform the development of clinical guidelines. This article outlines and discusses both strands of evidence-based practice and the relevance of each strand to practising occupational therapists. It explores how therapists can locate, evaluate and use evidence to inform their practice. The article focuses particularly on the development of critical appraisal skills. The role of systematic reviews and the relevance of clinical guidelines for occupational therapy are discussed.