This chapter explores the history, practice, and importance of evidence based care. The initial movement toward evidence based clinical application was lead through evidence based medicine in the 1970s. Evidence-based care (EBC); a newer term broadened the medicine approach to include other disciplines.

EBC is linked to clinical outcomes and is used to develop practice patterns within organizations. It uses a process to collect, review, interpret, critique, and evaluate research and other relevant literature for direct application. Evidence is used from research, performance data, and quality improvement studies. It further integrates clinician observation with research, which can be measured and evaluated through outcomes of care. EBC is reviewed as the highest standard of care as long as critical thinking and sound judgement support it. It is a major responsibility of providers to demonstrate that outcomes of health care are effective, efficient, and safe.

It has been expected that 10-20 percent of treatments delivered are based upon scientific foundation. Research terminology is provided to guide the reader through fundamental understanding of EBC. Additionally, several models for determining the level of evidence are included. Professional organizations and government agencies have, and continue to develop, criteria to evaluate evidence based knowledge and to refine the process.