Evidence-based practice in community nursing.

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the advantages, challenges and practicalities in applying evidence-based care in patients’ homes. There is an expectation that community nurses will use the most up-to-date and relevant evidence to inform decisions about patient care. Scientific and well-reasoned decisions improve patient outcomes, raise standards and promote consistency of care. They also reduce the risks of interventions inadvertently causing harm. The application of evidence-based practice has been a major driving force in moving the profession away from delivering ritualistic and ineffective practice.