Evidence-based practice strategies for cardiovascular care.
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach utilizing the best available information to support clinical decisions. The cardiovascular literature sufficiently supports the adoption of EBP to reduce practice variations and improve patient outcomes. However, the ability to appraise evidence and determine the best ways to implement evidence into practice remains a challenge for most clinicians and administrators. Our discussion assesses the quality of evidence and the benefits of evidence-based approaches to care, but also frames the distinctions among research-based, evidence-based, and best practice. Organizational infrastructure is key to developing EBP approaches and sustaining high quality of care.