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So, you think you know what evidence-based practice (EBP) is? I’m glad you think you do.

I’m not as certain as I was 10 years ago. With each passing year of clinical practice there seem to be increasing levels of complexity, treatment choice and demand falling at the feet of those delivering clinical services. This is particularly true for NHS colleagues, who are navigating in-person and digital care, aligning to the government’s ambition to move from ‘bricks to clicks’. Private practice is not without its own unique challenges in delivering EBP either.

In the article that follows, I hope to provide an antidote to those that feel so assured of their opinions and are always keen to widely share these with the world on social media. Grab a cuppa and buckle in!

What even is Evidence-Based Practice?

If we start with ‘what is EBP’ and consider this at face value, a simple question soon unravels to become a behemoth of complexity – not dissimilar to navigating Spaghetti Junction without a satnav.

I’m sure many of you will be familiar with my experience of (or old enough to share) meeting people’s expectations by treating patients with manual therapy, traction, electrotherapy or other (insert another modality which is no longer in vogue here), only for them to leave your clinic room with a spring in their step, seemingly cured (or were they?). Another satisfied patient!

Is this evidence?