Which of the following best represents the components commonly cited in evidence-based practice?

• A. Best Available Research Evidence and Clinical Expertise
• B. Clinical Expertise, Patient Values, and Public Opinion
• C. Best Available Research Evidence, Clinical Expertise, and Patient Values
• D. Research Evidence Alone

Answer: (C)

Evidence-based practice blends three essential elements: the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences. The research evidence provides the scientific basis for what tends to work and for whom. Clinical expertise brings the clinician’s skills, judgment, and experience to interpret that evidence and tailor it to the individual patient’s context, risks, and feasibility. Patient values and preferences ensure decisions align with the patient’s goals, concerns, and lifestyle, which supports acceptance and adherence. Relying on research alone misses the real-world applicability, while clinical expertise without evidence may lack proven benefit, and patient values without evidence or clinician input may not be effective or appropriate. Public opinion isn’t a formal component of this framework, and decisions are best made by integrating research, clinician insight, and patient input. That combination best represents how evidence-based practice is actually practiced.