What is Evidence-Based Practice?
The current business environment is characterised by various trends and dynamics. From stiff competition and a diverse workforce to modern technologies and strategic plans, people professionals are prompted to formulate and implement profound solutions that will have significant outcomes. This introduces concept and significance of evidence based practice (EBP).
Evidence based practice (EBP) refers to the use of various sources and information to make an informed and reliable decision. EBP is defined by a shift from outdated acquired wisdom and superficial fixes to critically appraising reliable and credible evidence and information to support an idea, hypothesis, and concept. EBP is not only effectively applied in the healthcare sector but also in the human resources management (HRM). Effective leadership and management leverage the benefits of EBP to ensure suitable and favourable outcomes. EBP, therefore, entails meticulous, precise, and astute application of evidence from variety of credible and reliable sources to promote the likelihood of a favourable outcome.
Advantages of Evidence Based Practice
There are several advantages of evidence based practice. Centrally, evidence based practice guarantees that decisions are centred on facts, which makes them objective. This is significant since the decisions will not be dependent on outdated intuition and discernment. Therefore, evidence based practice increase the likelihood of effective and favourable outcomes that will have positive impacts to the organisation. Another advantage of evidence based practice is that it offers additional gravitas to leaders, managers, and other professionals. An individual that demonstrates understanding of evidence-based practice concept is likely to increase their influence on others and there is high likelihood of having more positive impacts at the workplace. Another advantage of evidence based practice is that it results in increased body of knowledge; thus, ensuring a more trustworthy profession.
Disadvantages of Evidence Based Practice
One of the key setbacks of evidence based practice is that it is a time-guzzling process. To profoundly make informed decisions, one needs to gather sufficient data and credible information, which requires time. Another disadvantage of evidence based practice is that it leads to overthinking and possibility of paralysing analysis. There is vast information and data collected and analysed for EBP. The conflicting ideas surrounding a subject may affect the analysis and further result in a complex process. Additionally, there is a major disadvantage about evidence-based practice regarding over-reliance on data and research, which on the other hand limits flexibility.
In summary, evidence based practice is a crucial aspect in decision-making and making informed choices and although it requires sufficient information and credible sources, it plays an important role in increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes and eliminating bias. Professionals should focus on building and developing evidence-based skills.
