We discussed a few of the advantages of evidence-informed approach in our last video. Namely, that it is efficient, person-centered, and is consistent with the use of Integrative therapies. What might be the other advantages? We will explore some of these advantages in this video. What is the value of evidence-informed practice? First, it helps clinicians stay current on standardized, evidence-based protocols. Second, it uses near real-time data to make care decisions. Healthcare staff now have better access to data due to improved technology such as electronic medical records, decision support systems, built-in protocols, data warehouses, and sophisticated analytics. This technology can greatly reduce the time necessary to fill the gaps in evidence base. Third, it improves transparency, accountability, and value. Payers, employers, and patients are all driving the need for the healthcare industry to show transparency, accountability, and value. Practicing evidence-informed healthcare can help the industry achieve these goals. Evidence-informed healthcare provides the evidence behind the policies, increases accountability by justifying decisions on the basis of valid information, and makes policy decisions driven by the best outcomes for the healthcare dollar. Fourth, it improves quality of care. Although the US spends more money per person on healthcare than any other nation in the world, there's broad evidence that Americans often do not get the care they need. With evidence-informed practice, care improves because clinicians have access to previously untapped data and best practices vetted and agreed upon by peers. Finally, evidence-informed practice improves outcomes. The most important reason for the interest in evidence-informed practice is that it works. There's a lot of data that shows if health systems diligently use best clinical evidence and expertise, and ensure treatments are consistent with patient values, they'll realize better outcomes in every way. Evidence-informed practice results in improvements ranging from quicker recovery times after surgical procedures to safer ways to deliver breach babies. Evidence-informed practice, with its more person-centered and holistic approach, works well with integrative therapies. While integrative therapies may not have as much western-style research to support them, although this is growing, they have other types of supporting evidence, such as thousands of years of clinical evidence. Patient preference is another strong form of evidence. We trust that our patients know what is good for them and their bodies, and many patients want to use and benefit from integrative therapies. We need to consider all forms of evidence to meet each individual patient's needs. When we do, we're practicing a lovely form of clinical jazz. So let's look at an example of evidence-informed practice in action. Dr. Zaheer has a patient, Solomon, who's experienced post-operative nausea and vomiting. Solomon has already tried Zofran, and it's not helping. Zaheer remembers in a recent in-service training, where the instructor cited research showing the benefit from the use of sea-bands and acupressure for nausea. Dr. Zaheer asks Solomon if he would be open to trying sea-bands for nausea. Solomon asks some questions, but when he finds out that it does not involve any more drugs or side effects, he's eager to put them on. With the acceleration of value-based payment movement that will continue in the years ahead, there's an increasing need for clinicians to use the best available evidence to make the best possible decisions to achieve the best possible outcomes. Evidence-informed practice is the key. This is an exciting time to be in health care because evidence-informed practice provides such opportunities for improvement. Patients will feel confident that they're getting the best possible care because treatments are based on the most current medical knowledge. Costs will also decrease when care improves. Concerns such as avoidable readmissions can be averted when evidence-informed practice is incorporated into daily healthcare operations. Evidence-informed practice allows for evidence to be put into practice sooner, and contributes to better clinical decisions. It leads to better outcomes and improved patient satisfaction, while reducing costs.