The purpose of this chapter is to explore strategies useful in delivering and improving quality and cost effective patient care. Evidence based practice is an approach that is highlighted that utilizes research findings to develop strategies for improvement. Select evidence based models are described and applied to patient care problems to demonstrate usefulness. Resources are further identified that generate clinical practice outcomes.

The author defines evidence-based practice (EBP) as the use of the best current evidence to make decisions about care. Research is used to provide support for decisions made regarding care including: benefits, risks, results, and choices. Outcomes research can impact upon quality and value of care, functionality, and activities of daily living.

Four of the 21 competencies identified to prepare health care professionals for practice environments and the future, abstracted from the Pew Health Professionals Commission’s Final Report, are addressed in the content including:
1. evidence based clinically competent care
2. critical thinking, problem solving and reflection
3. responsibility for quality care and health care outcomes
4. continuous improvement of the health care system

Professional organizations such as, the American Nurses Association (ANA) are involved in developing health care policies advocating outcomes evaluation. For example, a nursing report card for acute care settings has been developed defining quality indicators used to monitor safe, quality, and cost effective care delivery.

Practice guidelines have evolved from evidence-based research, which are tools that standardize care for typical patients. These are designed to help provide general direction for care delivery.