Evidence-based practice in health care is the synthesis of best available research evidence with current knowledge and clinical experience for health promotion and quality health care services. It is a predominant clinical and administrative consideration for improving health care delivery and practice. While unprecedented developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of disease provide the opportunity for longer and healthier lives, access to health care that is most appropriate is too often impeded by ignorance, inequity, and economic constraints. The Institute of Medicine finds this gap, “due to our failure to apply the evidence gathered about the medical care that is most effective – a failure related to shortfalls in provider knowledge and accountability, inadequate care coordination and support, lack of insurance, poorly aligned payment incentives, and misplaced patient expectations.” For students who are participants of the U.S. health care system, as patients or prospective providers, understanding the research process and the critical appraisal of research to support the practice implications in health care is imperative.
Semester Offered
Fall/Spring