Debate

Sicily statement on evidence-based practice

Martin Dawes¹ , William Summerskill² , Paul Glasziou³ , Antonino Cartabellotta⁴ , Janet Martin⁵ , Kevork Hopayian⁶ , Franz Porzsolt⁷ , Amanda Burls⁸ and James Osborne⁹

¹  Department of Family Medicine. McGill University, Montreal, Canada

²  The Lancet, Jamestown Road, London, UK

³  Department of Primary Health Care, Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Oxford University, Oxford, UK

⁴  Gruppo Italiano per la Medicina Basata sulle Evidenze (GIMBE), Passaggio L. da Vinci, 16 – 90145 Palermo, Italy

⁵  London Health Sciences Centre, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

⁶  School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia Norwich, UK

⁷  University Hospital Ulm, Clinical Economics, Ulm, Germany

⁸  Department Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham UK

⁹  United Bristol Healthcare Trust, Bristol, UK

author email corresponding author email

BMC Medical Education 2005, 5:1doi:10.1186/1472-6920-5-1

Published:	5 January 2005

Abstract

Background

A variety of definitions of evidence-based practice (EBP) exist. However, definitions are in themselves insufficient to explain the underlying processes of EBP and to differentiate between an evidence-based process and evidence-based outcome. There is a need for a clear statement of what Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) means, a description of the skills required to practise in an evidence-based manner and a curriculum that outlines the minimum requirements for training health professionals in EBP. This consensus statement is based on current literature and incorporating the experience of delegates attending the 2003 Conference of Evidence-Based Health Care Teachers and Developers ("Signposting the future of EBHC").

Discussion

Evidence-Based Practice has evolved in both scope and definition. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) requires that decisions about health care are based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence. These decisions should be made by those receiving care, informed by the tacit and explicit knowledge of those providing care, within the context of available resources.

Health care professionals must be able to gain, assess, apply and integrate new knowledge and have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances throughout their professional life. Curricula to deliver these aptitudes need to be grounded in the five-step model of EBP, and informed by ongoing research. Core assessment tools for each of the steps should continue to be developed, validated, and made freely available.

Summary

All health care professionals need to understand the principles of EBP, recognise EBP in action, implement evidence-based policies, and have a critical attitude to their own practice and to evidence. Without these skills, professionals and organisations will find it difficult to provide 'best practice'.