What Is Evidence-Based Care?
A Clear Guide for Patients and Families
Healthcare continually evolves as new research emerges. Evidence-based care (EBC) ensures that treatments are grounded in the best available scientific knowledge, combined with clinical expertise and patient preferences.
What Does Evidence-Based Care Mean?
Evidence-based care (EBC) is the integration of:
1. The best current scientific evidence
2. Clinical expertise
3. Patient values and preferences
The Three Pillars of Evidence-Based Care
1. Best Available Scientific Evidence
• Clinical trials
• Meta-analyses and systematic reviews
• Professional guidelines
• Observational studies
• Registries and audits
2. Clinical Expertise
Clinicians apply research appropriately using their experience to consider context, risks, and real-world outcomes.
3. Patient Values and Preferences
Every patient is unique. Evidence-based care respects culture, lifestyle, goals, risk tolerance, and quality-of-life priorities.
Why Is Evidence-Based Care Important?
• Safer treatment
• Better outcomes
• Reduced variation in care
• Empowered patients
• Keeps healthcare modern
Examples of Evidence-Based Care
• Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for thyroid nodules
• Active surveillance for low-risk thyroid cancers
• Evidence-based selection of medications
• Multidisciplinary team-based cancer management
• Avoiding unnecessary tests and imaging
How Doctors Apply Evidence-Based Care
1. Ask a clinical question
2. Search for evidence
3. Appraise the evidence
4. Apply it to the patient
5. Evaluate outcomes over time
In Summary
Evidence-based care integrates research, clinical judgment, and patient choice to ensure safe, effective, personalised treatment.