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Britannica Sources used in this answer

What are the five essential steps used in evidence-based medicine?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Two surgeons in scrubs and masks perform laparoscopic surgery on a patient in a brightly lit operating room, with medical equipment and a monitor displaying the procedure.
medicine Surgeons performing a laparoscopy.

The practice of evidence-based medicine is defined by five essential steps designed to integrate scientific research with clinical practice:

  1. Identify the question: The clinician formulates a clear clinical question based on the management of an individual patient, creating a specific need for information.
  2. Find the evidence: The best available evidence to address the identified need is located.
  3. Appraise the evidence: The gathered information is critically evaluated for its validity and its applicability to the patient's specific situation.
  4. Integrate the evidence: The findings are combined with the clinician’s personal expertise and the patient’s own values and preferences to determine the most appropriate intervention.
  5. Evaluate outcomes: The clinician assesses the results of the intervention on the patient to determine its effectiveness.1