Evidence-based nursing practice: to infinity and beyond.
BACKGROUND
Medical errors are in the news almost daily, frequently after patients have experienced ineffective and unsafe protocols. As a result, patients and family members lose trust in the healthcare system. Nursing practice is changing almost daily with advances in nursing research and improvements in technology and practice. Reading, understanding, and managing these large amounts of information have become difficult for most nurses and organizations.


METHODS
This article provides an historical background for evidence-based practice and methods for assimilating research into practice.


RESULTS
Systematic reviews and other decision-making models are discussed using specific questions for establishing policy guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence-based practice encompasses implementing the best-known practices into the clinical setting using a scientific approach. As a result, safe, high-quality, and cost-effective care will be more likely to occur consistently.
Pape
Tess M
TM
University Health System, San Antonio, Texas 78229-4493, USA.
D001294:Attitude to Health; D019985:Benchmarking / Q000458:organization & administration; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D019359:Knowledge; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards