The principles of evidence-based medicine

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has transformed clinicians’ approach to the practice of medicine. In most disciplines, EBM is the fundamental component of decision-making driving expectations of the care received by patients and families. To improve outcomes, EBM blends science and compassion to provide personalized, effective treatments, and consistent application of interventions. The ever-increasing demand for palliative care will continue unabated due to longer lifespans and a shift in the approach to disease from primarily acute illnesses to predominantly chronic conditions. The adoption of EBM by palliative care providers will advance the knowledge and practice base, elevating its position among other medical disciplines that have adopted EBM as the dominant paradigm. The framework of EBM informs a systematic and manageable approach to the overwhelming amount of available evidence. Patients will benefit from EBM practices when palliative care practitioners provide the most effective and personalized care tailored each patient’s needs, characteristics, and preferences.