Before applying results, consider these questions:
Talk to the patient
Integrate the information with your expertise, and return to the patient to discuss their preferences and concerns. Consider the patient's goals, your recommended treatment, costs, and potential adverse effects when making a decision.
Apply:
Step One: Ask a Question using PICO format - Ask a clinical question.
Step Two: Search Resources for the Best Evidence - Search for best evidence to answer question.
Step Three: Appraise Evidence - Critically appraise evidence, assess study quality, etc.
Step Four: Apply Evidence - Integrate evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences/values to apply in practice.
These are the first four steps of Evidence-Based Practice according to Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Stillwell, S. B., & Williamson, K. M. (2010). Evidence-based practice: Step by step: The seven steps of evidence-based practice. The American Journal of Nursing, 110(1), 51-53.
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