What is evidence-based practice (EBP)?

• A. EBP is the integration of the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to make clinical decisions.
• B. EBP is a method to maximize reimbursement for therapy services.
• C. EBP is a guideline that replaces clinician judgment entirely.
• D. EBP is the exclusive use of randomized controlled trial results to decide treatments.

Answer: (A)

Evidence-based practice means making clinical decisions by integrating the best available research evidence with your clinical expertise and the patient’s values and goals. The idea is to use high-quality information about what tends to help, apply it through your professional judgment to the specifics of a patient’s situation, and honor what matters most to the patient in terms of outcomes, risks, and preferences.

For example, you might find from research that a certain exercise program improves function for a condition, but you also consider your experience with similar patients and discuss options with the patient to align the plan with their daily routine, concerns, and desired outcomes. Then you tailor the approach and monitor results to see if adjustments are needed.

This isn’t about maximizing reimbursement, replacing clinician judgment with a guideline, or using only randomized trial results. It relies on a spectrum of evidence and always centers the patient’s values in the decision-making process.