Assignment Instructions:
Evidence-Based Practice Discussion
What are the three components of evidence-based practice (EBP)? Why is each
component important from a health promotion standpoint? Do you feel any components
should be weighted more heavily than others? Why or why not? Have you ever witnessed
a time when EBP was not used and should have been? What could have been done
differently?
, Introduction
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a cornerstone of modern nursing and healthcare
delivery. It integrates scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to
improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of care. EBP bridges the gap between research
and practice, ensuring that clinical decisions are based not only on tradition or intuition
but on the best available evidence. From a health promotion perspective, EBP enables
providers to implement interventions that effectively prevent disease, improve population
health outcomes, and enhance patient satisfaction. This discussion explores the three
fundamental components of EBP, their significance in health promotion, and the
implications of neglecting EBP in clinical settings.
The Three Components of Evidence-Based Practice
According to Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2019), the three components of EBP are: (1)
the best available research evidence, (2) clinical expertise, and (3) patient values and
preferences.
1. **Best Available Evidence** – This component involves the use of current, high-
quality research findings to inform clinical decision-making. Evidence is drawn from
systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and peer-reviewed studies. In health
promotion, the use of evidence ensures that interventions, such as vaccination programs
or chronic disease management strategies, are scientifically validated and produce
measurable outcomes. Without research-based evidence, healthcare practices risk being
outdated or ineffective.