More than just evidence
High-quality evidence is vital, but it’s not always enough. The results from a piece of research may not apply to every patient in the same way. That’s where clinical judgement comes in–helping to interpret findings, weigh up risks and benefits, and apply them to the real world.
Equally important is the voice of the patient. Personalised care means people have choice and control over how their care is planned and delivered, based on what matters to them. Without this, even the best treatment plan risks falling short.
What you told us
Before this series began, we asked our Facebook group members what they considered to be at the heart of evidence-based practice. Here’s what they said:
- 54% recognised all three pillars
- 40% focused only on evidence
- 4% saw patient preference as a low priority
This shows that there’s still work to do–the patient voice should never be ‘optional’. In fact, it is key to long-term outcomes and to building trust and confidence in care. This is being emphasised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in their guidance documents, as seen in the recent late-stage assessments on
Intermittent urethral catheters for chronic incomplete bladder emptying in adults, which states ‘The guidance does not override the individual responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer’.
How do we put this into practice?
The challenge is finding the right balance. How do we stay true to the evidence while still tailoring care to each individual? It starts with:
- Using the best available evidence as a guide
- Applying clinical judgement to adapt decisions to the situation
- Working in partnership with patients to understand their goals, needs, and preferences
Platforms like me
+ are already helping patients and clinicians to work together, ensuring solutions are not only evidence-based but also right for the individual.
Wrapping up
Throughout this series, we’ve highlighted how evidence, expertise, and patient preference each play a vital role. When we bring these three pillars together, we move beyond just ‘ticking the evidence box’ to delivering care that is informed, personalised, and sustainable.
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