Which action best aligns with the 'Acquire' step of evidence-based practice?

Which action best aligns with the 'Acquire' step of evidence-based practice?

• A. Implement changes based on expert opinion
• B. Write a literature review without search
• C. Locate and retrieve the best available evidence to answer a clinical question
• D. Evaluate outcomes after implementing change

Answer: (C)

Acquire in evidence-based practice means locating and retrieving the best available evidence to answer a clinical question. This step involves a systematic search of credible sources—databases, guidelines, and high-quality studies—guided by a clearly defined question and criteria for what evidence to include. The goal is to gather relevant information that can then be appraised for validity and applicability before it informs care. Locating and retrieving the best available evidence fits this step precisely, because it emphasizes actively seeking solid information rather than jumping to changes or relying on opinion. Implementing changes based on expert opinion leans on judgment rather than a systematic search; writing a literature review without a search skips the essential gathering step; evaluating outcomes after implementing change belongs to assessing the impact, not acquiring evidence.

Acquire in evidence-based practice means locating and retrieving the best available evidence to answer a clinical question. This step involves a systematic search of credible sources—databases, guidelines, and high-quality studies—guided by a clearly defined question and criteria for what evidence to include. The goal is to gather relevant information that can then be appraised for validity and applicability before it informs care. Locating and retrieving the best available evidence fits this step precisely, because it emphasizes actively seeking solid information rather than jumping to changes or relying on opinion. Implementing changes based on expert opinion leans on judgment rather than a systematic search; writing a literature review without a search skips the essential gathering step; evaluating outcomes after implementing change belongs to assessing the impact, not acquiring evidence.