Evidence-Based Practice

Self-evaluate your approach to finding reliable, current, and applicable evidence.

Finding Evidence

General Searching

• Do I know the best sources of credible and current evidence for my clinical field?
• Do I know how to efficiently access the best sources?
• Did I seek using a variety of relevant resources?

Search Techniques

• Did I begin my search by seeking out the strongest level of evidence?
• Am I effectively using helpful search techniques such as MeSH headings, limiters, Boolean operators, and search strings using synomys.to perform my searches?

Study and Database Selection

• Have I identified the best type of study to answer the clinical question?
• Have I determined the best resources to find this study type?

Assistance and Collaboration

• Have I contacted a medical librarian for assistance with my searches and questions?
• Have I collaborated with peers and mentors in my search?

Self-evaluate your approach in evaluating the quality of sources, search strategies, as well as your critical appraisal skills,

Evaluating Evidence

• Validity of the Study:

  • Did the evidence address the question?
  • Were the methods used in the study valid and appropriate for the research question?

• Relevance and Applicability:

  • Were the results of this study important and applicable to my patient, population, or problem?
  • Does the evidence suggest in answering to specific questions I have in selecting a treatment approach?

• Quality of Evidence:

  • Did I critically evaluate the external evidence?
  • Did I utilize a critical appraisal guide in evaluating the evidence?
  • Am I improving in accuracy and efficiency when applying critical appraisal measures like the likelihood of ratios and Number Needed to Treat?
  • How strong is the evidence in terms of study design and execution?

Self-evaluate your application of meaningfully applying the evidence to your practice.

Evaluating Application

• Integration with Clinical Expertise:

  • Did I integrate the evidence with my clinical expertise and experience?

• Patient-Centered Considerations:

  • Did I utilize evidence that considers the values, preferences, and circumstances of my patient?
  • Did I consider how the evidence will impact the patient’s quality of life and treatment outcomes
  • Did I explain the balance of evidence, including pros and cons, to my patient?
  • Did I explain and settle disagreements about treatment choices using this evidence?

• Ongoing Evaluation:

  • How will I assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment based on this evidence?
  • What metrics or outcomes will I use to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments?
  • Have I reviewed my performance in diagnosing and treating patients to ensure I’m following evidence-based practices?

Self-evaluate your patient communication skills after speaking to a patient about treatment methods.

Tailoring Information to Patient Needs

• Did I successfully tailor the information to the patient’s unique needs and the specific decision they were facing?
• Was I transparent about any uncertainties or limitations in the information, to build trust and allow for informed decision-making?

Clarity and Simplicity in Communication

• Was I able to simplify complex information into smaller, manageable parts and ensure understanding with each section?
• Did I avoid using medical jargon and instead choose familiar words to make the information accessible?
• Did I use clear numbers and visuals, such as bar charts or icon arrays, to make the information easier to understand?

Engaging and Empowering the Patient

• Did I encourage the patient to use their own words to explain the information, and was I able to clarify any misunderstandings?
• Did I check for understanding effectively and adapt my approach if the patient seemed unsure?

Framing and Tone

• Was my language neutral and non-emotive, avoiding terms that could cause unnecessary anxiety?
• Did I frame information in a reassuring manner (e.g., effectiveness vs. failure rate) without misrepresenting the facts?
• Was I mindful of using relative and absolute risks and provided real-world context for these numbers?

Professionalism and Respect

• Did I speak to the patient in a respectful, professional manner?

• This structure could be useful for reviewing and reflecting on patient interactions, providing a holistic approach to effective patient communication. Let me know if you need further refinement!