Evidence-based practice: an idea whose time has come

This paper defines evidence-based practice, gives a brief history of EBP, addresses nurses' current usage of research, briefly examines the need for evidence-based practice, then addresses what evidence-based practice will mean to the profession. It is concluded that at present Australian nursing is in a stage of pre-evidence-based practice in which most Australian nurses neither read research nor apply research findings to practice. However, a demand for evidence-based practice will likely encourage nurses to use research in practice. Finally, professional strategies will be developed to encourage the introduction and evaluation of evidence-based nursing practice.