The Benefits of Evidence Based Practice in Physiotherapy

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Medical study is a combination of clinical experience and scientific research, which requires proof and evidence. These two components can help physiotherapists with diagnosis, provide treatments for patients and making clinical decision. However, what are the ways for individuals to testify the effectiveness of these methods and treatments? Is there scientific evidence proving the information is correct and up to date? How helpful and appropriate are these methods and treatments to the patients? Hence evidence-based practice is necessary. It has a strong impact in physiotherapy, to ensure researches are more focused and relevant to physiotherapists and as a guiding principle to practice and treatment of patients.

Evidence is a clear indication. The definition of evidence-based medicine is “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.” (Sackett et al. 1996) It allows us to demonstrate and gives approval to the truth. It exists to inform and guide practice. The practice of evidence-based medicine suggests incorporating different clinical knowledge with the best external clinical evidence from systematic research. Physiotherapists and undergraduate should strive to use research evidence in a systematic way, in conjunction with clinical judgement to make clinical decisions.

The importance of Evidence-Based Practice is to ensure the best possible care is provided for patients. Evidence-Based Practice functions by measuring the effectiveness of a treatment and differentiating findings between high-quality and low-quality. It also helps with health development and improves the reliability and facilitates students to become reflecti...

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...guidelines and best practice protocols that we need to be familiar with, as well as of the various professional and regulatory systems, since physiotherapists are required to work in partnership with other health professionals.

In conclusion, Evidence-Based Practice requires explicit use of best evidence and decision making. However, clinical skills, judgment and experience are as critical. The best systematic recording will have a significant impact on increasing the confidence on the effectiveness of the treatments and correct interpretation of evidence. “To practice EB means becoming a better history taker, better clinical examiner, a consumer of empirical evidence and a thoughtful diagnostician and therapist” (Ambrose, B, 2011). As physiotherapists, we are responsible to make contributions and able to provide patients the best treatment and services.

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