Stanfield's Introduction to the Health Professions Practice Test

Evidence-based practice is about using the best available scientific evidence to guide decisions about patient care. It combines high-quality research with clinical expertise and, importantly, patient preferences to choose the most appropriate care options. The reason this is the best fit is that it grounds decisions in objective data rather than relying solely on personal experience, tradition, or ignoring what the patient values. Relying only on personal experience can miss important evidence, following tradition without research may ignore newer, better approaches, and ignoring client preferences undermines shared decision-making and can reduce adherence and satisfaction. In short, evidence-based practice uses scientific evidence to inform decisions about care.