Final answer:
The key steps in Evidence-Based Practice include asking a focused question, gathering and evaluating information, implementing evidence in practice, and evaluating the outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamental steps in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) involve a systematic process designed to ensure the integration of the best research with clinical expertise and patient values for optimum care. One of the key steps is asking a focused clinical question to guide the search for evidence. This is followed by gathering information and evaluating sources for their validity, relevance, and reliability. It is essential to use systematic reviews that aggregate data from multiple studies to gain a comprehensive overview of the topic. Then, implementing the evidence in clinical practice requires understanding patient preferences while also considering one’s own clinical expertise. Finally, evaluating the outcomes of care and seeking opportunities for improvement comprise the last key step in EBP.