Evidence-based decision-making
Subject: Economy and Business
The Library is offering a new manual on evidence-based practice coordinated by Eva Rimbau-Gilabert, professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business.
Decisions taken using evidence-based practice (EBP) rely on solid facts, rather than personal criteria. The basis of the whole approach involves asking ourselves, before we move forward with something, if data or information on the matter might be available.
Critically analysing the evidence available allows us to avoid inefficient decisions based on subjective opinions or instinct. The Library's new manual teaches you the basics of evidence-based practice, the areas in which it can be applied, where to find data and how to analyse it, as well as the organizations promoting this technique.
Rimbau-Gilabert encourages students and professors from all branches of knowledge to turn to the manual to help them "apply critical thinking in their work and make better decisions". In her opinion, this will "improve their chances of meeting the desired objectives".
What is evidence-based practice?
The manual provides a complete definition as well as a look back at its evolution over time. There is also an explanation of the four sources of evidence: scientific research, the organization itself, experts' professional experience and criteria, and stakeholder values and concerns.
How to carry it out
Evidence-based practice first requires us to detect a problem or opportunity and then form a question that can be answered and which sends us in search of evidence to do just that. The manual contains a compilation of articles about standardized systems for posing clinical questions, such as the well-known PICO model.
Searching for and assessing evidence
The Library will help you find empirical studies in any field as well as data on companies, industries and countries. We also provide you with different tools so you can critically assess the evidence's quality once you have located it.
Where to use evidence-based practice
Although the concept was originally employed in the health field, its use has become increasingly more common in fields such as education, public policy or organizational management. Our manual contains articles and studies providing in-depth discussion of just how the technique is being used.
Organizations
If we have piqued your interest, you can find out more about evidence-based practice through 17 organizations that are promoting the use of evidence in different professional and educational fields.
