How does evidence-based practice differ from traditional practice?

• A. Evidence-based practice integrates current best evidence with clinical expertise and patient values
• B. Evidence-based practice ignores patient values
• C. Traditional practice relies solely on habit or authority
• D. There is no difference between the two

Answer: (A)

Evidence-based practice blends three essential elements: current high-quality research evidence, the clinician’s own expertise and experience, and the patient’s values and preferences. This approach uses the best available data to guide decisions, but it also accounts for how that evidence fits with the individual patient’s situation, goals, and concerns, with the clinician applying judgment to adapt recommendations as needed.

This is why the best description is that it integrates what is known from research with the clinician’s experience and the patient’s wishes. It does not ignore patient values, and it does not rely solely on habit, tradition, or authority. Those latter aspects are more characteristic of traditional practice, where decisions may be based more on routine or what has always been done rather than on up-to-date evidence. There is a clear difference in approach between the two. For patients, this means care that is informed by the latest science while still being tailored to their individual circumstances.