The most common definition of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is from Dr. David Sackett. EBP is “the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient. It means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research.” EBP is the integration of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence into the decision making process for patient/athlete care.
![image of research, expertise, and patient values](//s3.amazonaws.com/libapps/accounts/20756/images/ebp2.jpg)
The evidence, by itself, does not make the decision, but it can help support the patient care process. The full integration of these three components into clinical decisions enhances the opportunity for optimal clinical outcomes and quality of life.