An introduction to evidence-based practice for hand therapists.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a methodologic approach to clinical practice in which evidence is used to reach an informed decision when making a diagnosis, selecting a diagnostic test, picking an intervention, or determining a prognosis. Finding the best evidence through searching and critical appraisal of the methodologic quality of clinical evidence are essential steps. Matching clinical recommendations to the level of supporting evidence is expected. Clinicians' expertise and patient values are also valued components of decision making in an EBP approach. Hand therapists can adopt an EBP approach but must be prepared to deal with the challenge of uncertainty when evidence is lacking.