EBP improves patient care and patient outcomes. In the case of laboratory medicine, EBP can directly impact the testing methodologies that are chosen, the results that are reported, the interpretations that are provided, and even how the results are displayed to clinicians.
The principles of EBP can be used to support decision making on all levels. EBP aims to improve quality practices, decrease medical error, and improve patient outcomes, while at the same time maximizing value and cost efficiency. The clinical laboratory has an important role to play in evidence-based practice. The current challenges facing health care will likely only be met by adopting an evidence-based approach to the practice of laboratory medicine.
