title: Evidence-based practice: the arguments for and against.
abstract: The term evidence-based practice is becoming increasingly common within the health care sector. This is not only because of a search for quality, but also because of economic factors which demand more effective use of resources. This article will present some of the arguments which both support and oppose evidence-based practice. These arguments may at times appear to be contradictory in nature. The implications of evidence-based practice, for both patients and health care workers, is considered.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care/Coronary Care, North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Parkin
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003422:Critical Care / Q000592:standards*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012106:Research / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*