Strategies for Improving the Acquisition and Integration of Evidence Into Diabetes Care

Abstract

Purpose. Research findings can help support diabetes care providers' efforts to provide optimal education and clinical care in their practices. Much has been written about the importance of using evidence-based approaches to help ensure quality patient care. This article highlights practical strategies for helping diabetes care providers maintain an evidence-based practice. Topical content includes 1) an overview of common types of evidence available, 2) recommendations for useful resources to find the evidence, and 3) examples of strategies that diabetes care providers could use to stay informed regarding available evidence.

Conclusion. By using available resources to personally examine the evidence, diabetes care providers can make informed decisions regarding ways to optimally educate and treat patients using the best practices available. Guidelines for enhancing acquisition of best evidence and integrating the evidence into daily practice include being familiar with the types of evidence available; knowing where to find the best sources of evidence to inform practice; keeping current on landmark randomized, controlled trials in the field; and using the evidence in clinical practice by applying evidence in daily clinical decision-making.