Evidence-Based Practice

In Brief Knowledge and use of evidence-based practice are essential to ensure best practices and safe patient outcomes. Staff development specialists must be leaders in this initiative to support clinical nurses toward improved practice outcomes. This article describes the background for understanding the historical evolution from research utilization to evidence-based practice, defines some key concepts related to evidence-based practice, and suggests essential components for building evidence-based practice programs in healthcare institutions. The author explains the historical evolution from research utilization to evidencebased practice, defines key concepts related to evidence-based practice, and suggests components for building evidence-based practice programs in healthcare institutions.