Evidence-based practice revisited

Abstract

The evidence-based practice (EBP) movement has gathered considerable momentum both locally and abroad since first promoted a decade ago. This paper presents an updated narrative overview of EBP from the clinical and public health perspectives. First, the origins and definition of EBP and how clinicians should go about incorporating it into routine practice are described. Reasons for adopting the EBP philosophy are outlined and the way to learn the process described. The latter can be summarised as the five A's of EBP - assess, ask, acquire, appraise and apply. Limitations of the approach and misperceptions about its weaknesses are also discussed. Potential solutions are offered and areas for future work in the discipline of EBP are highlighted, with particular reference to Hong Kong's situation and that of elsewhere in Asia. Asia Pac JPublic Health 2001; 13(2): 116-121