What is evidence-based clinical care?

Evidence-based clinical care refers to the holistic approach of integrating the latest scientific evidence from research studies with clinical expertise as well as considering each patient's needs and unique preferences. 

At Discovery Behavioral Health, our mission is to save the lives of those we serve with compassionate treatment, evidence-based clinical care and an unwavering alliance among staff, patients, their families and communities. 

This approach allows for patient-centric care where healthcare professionals can make informed decisions and ultimately provide a higher level of care. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Understand evidence-based clinical care 
• The three pillars of evidence-based practice 
• Benefits of evidence-based practice

Understanding evidence-based clinical care 

Evidence-based practices created a shift in modern healthcare, from traditional practices to a more data-driven approach. 

The earliest calls for the use of evidence began in the 1970s, as nursing leaders sought to improve the quality and consistency of patient care. 

With advances in research methodologies and technological innovation, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, electronic health records (EHRs), and advanced data analytics, the quality and quantity of available evidence have significantly improved directly impacting healthcare practices. 

The three pillars of evidence-based practice 

Research evidence 

In evidence-based clinical care, research evidence serves as the cornerstone for informed decision-making and treatment strategies. 

New types of research, such as clinical trials and systematic reviews, as well as high-quality peer reviews, enhance the reliability and validity of the research methodology and the credibility and trustworthiness of the research findings presented.

This in turn helps to enable healthcare professionals to make well-informed decisions regarding patient care, treatment options, and healthcare policies.

Clinical expertise 

Professionals' expertise, honed through years of practice, plays a pivotal role in interpreting and applying research evidence to individual patient cases. 

It involves a thorough understanding of patient history, symptoms, and unique circumstances, enabling professionals to tailor treatments to specific needs. 

Within a culture of caring, you’ll get the opportunity to leverage your expertise and ensure that treatments are not only evidence-based but also customized to meet the unique needs of your patients.

Patient-centered care

Patients come first in everything we do and this is one of the reasons we provide holistic care that considers patient preferences. 

Effective healthcare isn't just about medical interventions but also about understanding and respecting each patient's beliefs, cultural background, lifestyle, and personal preferences, ultimately leading to more meaningful and effective healthcare outcomes.

Benefits of evidence-based practice 

• Improved Patient Outcomes: Evidence-based care is associated with better patient outcomes, including improved quality of life due to the reliance on proven, effective interventions.

• Patient-Centered Care: Incorporating patient values and preferences ensures a more personalized approach, fostering shared decision-making and aligning treatments with individual patient needs.

• Professional Development: Encourages healthcare professionals to stay updated with the latest research, fostering continuous learning, and promoting a culture of lifelong education and improvement. At Discovery Behavioral Health, we truly believe in investing in our employees. They are at the heart of everything we do for our patients. With that, we provide opportunities to help shape our employees’ career path. 

• Trust and Credibility: It enhances trust between patients and healthcare professionals, as evidence-based care is transparent and focused on delivering the best possible care.

Explore DBH: Empowering Your Journey Towards Evidence-Based Clinical Care

Embracing evidence-based clinical care is not merely a professional choice but a commitment to enhancing patient outcomes, fostering trust, and elevating the standard of healthcare provision. 

At DBH, we champion this approach, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping a healthcare landscape that prioritizes compassion and patient-centricity. 

Not only that, we truly believe in investing in our employees. They are at the heart of everything we do for our patients. With that, we provide opportunities to help shape our employees’ career path. 

Explore careers at DBH today and transform lives.