The evidence in evidence-based practice: What counts and what doesn't count?

Evidence-based practice (EBP), also known as evidence-based medicine, is now recognized as being of fundamental importance in the delivery of high-quality and effective health care in the modern world. It is defined as clinical decision-making based on (1) sound external research evidence combined with individual clinical expertise1 and (2) the needs of the individual patient. More and more, EBP is seen as a consensus between all stakeholders, and clinical guidelines are seen as facilitative rather than prescriptive in informing practice.