Abstract

This paper identifies the documentary sources that can be included in the evidence base that informs practice, including the relative merits of research based and non-research based sources. It goes on to debate the issues involved in using research findings from both qualitative and quantitative paradigms in a review of the current best evidence. Finally, it discusses the place of clinical expertise and patient choice in evidence based practice, and how this can be combined with documentary evidence to provide optimum and individualised patient care.