Evidence-based practice should consider which elements?

The correct choice emphasizes that evidence-based practice must integrate the best available research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to inform decision-making in healthcare. This comprehensive approach ensures that practices are not only founded on the most reliable scientific evidence but are also tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of the patients.

Best available research refers to the use of current and relevant studies that have undergone rigorous scrutiny. Clinical expertise involves the skills and knowledge that healthcare professionals acquire through experience, allowing them to interpret research findings effectively and apply them in a real-world context. Finally, incorporating patient preferences acknowledges that patients have unique situations, values, and preferences that should be considered when determining the most appropriate care options.

This holistic framework leads to better patient outcomes, as it combines objective data with the subjective elements that distinctly characterize patient care.