The American Chiropractic Association and Palmer College of Chiropractic have partnered to provide “Evidence in Action,” a series of articles and videos that translate how the findings of research studies and other evidence can be applied in clinical practice.
What is Evidence-based Practice?
There is an abundance of definitions and variation of terms for evidence-based practice (EBP), including evidence-informed practice and evidence-based clinical practice (EBCP). Fortunately, most of them say essentially the same thing. The most well-known definition is that put forth by David Sackett and colleagues:
“Evidence-based [practice] is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.”1
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a term coined by Gordon Guyatt2 at McMaster University in 1991 to encompass the idea of teaching clinicians how to find, interpret and use the best available evidence for clinical practice. Evidence-based clinical practice (EBCP)–often used synonymously with EBP–is a patient-centered approach to clinical management that explicitly utilizes research evidence, patient values and clinician experience. The strength of that evidence, the benefits and risks of alternative approaches and patient preferences all influence management strategies.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States. ACA attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors, who understand that it takes more to be called an ACA chiropractor.
