The EBP process involves five steps, also known as the five 'A's of EBP:

• Ask: Asking a well-formed clinical question that can be answered using best available research evidence.
• Acquire: Using the PICO acronym to determine appropriate keywords to conduct the search.
• Appraise: Critically appraise and synthesise the evidence to ensure reliability and validity.
• Apply: Integrate the evidence with your clinical expertise and the patient's values, and apply to patient care.
• Assess: Assess the effectiveness of the intervention or decision.

Visit our Literature Searching Guide for guidance on developing a well-formed clinical question and finding the best available evidence.

Literature Searching Guide