Skip to Main Content

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

In addition to the basics of EBP and PICO, this guide answers questions about primary vs. secondary sources, where to look for evidence, and how to search to get the best results.

Steps in the Process

Six steps of the evidence-based practice process: assess, ask, acquire, appraise, apply, and evaluate

Steps in Evidence-Based Practice
(Modified from Duke University Medical Center)
Step Explanation
ASSESS Start with the patient; determine a clinical problem or question that arises from the care of the patient.
ASK Construct a well-built clinical question derived from the case.
ACQUIRE Select the appropriate resource(s) and conduct a search.
APPRAISE Appraise the evidence for its validity (closeness to the truth) and applicability (usefulness in clinical practice).
APPLY Return to the patient; integrate the evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences; apply it to practice.
EVALUATE Evaluate the patient's outcome and your own performance.

The following guides offer more information about the steps in the EBP process:

EBP Step-by-Step Series

The following articles are included in the American Journal of Nursing's 12-part Evidence-Based Practice, Step by Step series: