Topic > The advantages of evidence-based practice in physiotherapy

Medical practice is a combination of clinical experience and scientific research, which requires trials and evidence. These two components can help physical therapists diagnose, provide treatments to patients, and make clinical decisions. However, what are the ways in which people can testify to the effectiveness of these methods and treatments? Is there scientific evidence to show that the information is correct and up to date? How useful and appropriate are these methods and treatments for patients? Therefore, evidence-based practice is needed. It has a strong impact on physiotherapy, to ensure that research is more targeted and relevant to physiotherapists and as a guiding principle for practice and treatment of patients. The evidence is a clear indication. The definition of evidence-based medicine is “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the best current evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.” (Sackett et al. 1996) It allows demonstration and gives approval to the truth. It exists to inform and guide practice. The practice of evidence-based medicine suggests incorporating diverse clinical knowledge with the best external clinical evidence from systematic research. Physical therapists and undergraduate students should strive to use research evidence systematically, along with clinical judgment to make clinical decisions. The importance of evidence-based practice is to ensure that the best possible care is provided to patients. Evidence-based practice works by measuring the effectiveness of a treatment and differentiating outcomes between high-quality and low-quality outcomes. It also helps with health development, improves reliability and facilitates students to reflect...... center of paper ......best practice guidelines and protocols that we need to be familiar with, as well as some various professional and regulatory systems, as physiotherapists are required to work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. In conclusion, evidence-based practice requires the explicit use of best evidence and decision-making. However, clinical skills, judgment and experience are equally critical. Improved systematic recording will have a significant impact on increasing confidence in the effectiveness of treatments and the correct interpretation of evidence. “Practicing EB means becoming a better medical examiner, a better clinical examiner, a consumer of empirical evidence, and a thoughtful diagnostician and therapist” (Ambrose, B, 2011). As physiotherapists, we are responsible for contributing and are able to provide patients with the best treatments and services.