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Evidence-based Knowledge Synthesis and Hypothesis Validation: Navigating Biomedical Knowledge Bases via Explainable AI and Agentic Systems
Published on: June 13, 2025
Evidence, research, knowledge: a call for conceptual clarity
Shannon Scott-Findlay1, Carolee Pollock
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Shannon.scott-findlay@ualberta.ca
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
|November 30, 2006
Summary
Evidence-based practice requires clear definitions. This study argues that "evidence" should strictly mean research findings, not clinical experience, to improve healthcare decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare
- Clinical Practice
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Conceptual confusion exists in evidence-based practice due to overlapping terms: research, evidence, and knowledge.
- The term "evidence" is often used broadly, encompassing research findings, clinical experience, and experiential knowledge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the distinct meanings of research, evidence, and knowledge in evidence-based practice.
- To advocate for a precise definition of "evidence" to enhance clinical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical discussion and conceptual analysis.
- Examination of the historical and current usage of key terms in evidence-based practice.
Main Results:
- The term "evidence" has traditionally referred to research findings.
- Attempts to broaden "evidence" to include clinical experience are misguided and hinder clarity.
Conclusions:
- "Evidence" should be restricted to research findings; other factors influencing decisions are forms of "knowledge," not evidence.
- Distinguishing between evidence (research) and knowledge (experience) is crucial for improving clinical decision-making and advancing healthcare research.
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