Clinical evidence columns

Understanding Clinical Evidence: Advancing Health through Practical Research

Table of Contents

Clinical evidence is the backbone of modern medicine, offering a foundation for making informed healthcare decisions.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

It encompasses data and findings derived from a variety of research methodologies, including clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses.

This evidence serves as a crucial tool in evaluating the efficacy and safety of medical treatments, interventions, and diagnostic tools.

Clinical evidence columns
From Fetters and Tilson Evidence Based Physical Therapy (2012), p. 3.

Definition of Clinical Evidence

In simple terms, clinical evidence consists of information obtained through systematic research that demonstrates how effective and safe a medical treatment or intervention is. This encompasses both quantitative and qualitative data collected from clinical trials, patient outcomes, and research studies.

Clinical evidence can be understood as applicable to an evidence based practice and can be contrasted with anecdotal evidence.


Healthy feet…great price!

Contextual Application in Treatment Efficacy

The primary goal of clinical evidence in the context of treatment efficacy is to provide a robust basis for understanding how well a medical treatment works in real-world settings. It involves evaluating and comparing the outcomes of different treatments to determine the most effective and safe options for patients.

Examples of Clinical Evidence

To illustrate the application and importance of clinical evidence, consider the following examples:

  • Comparative Studies: These research studies compare conventional treatments with new drug therapies for specific adult illnesses. They aim to identify any advancements in efficacy and safety that new treatments may offer over existing ones.
  • Longitudinal Trials: Such trials analyze the impact of lifestyle changes on chronic disease progression over several years. They provide valuable insights into how modifications in diet, exercise, or behavior can influence disease outcomes.
  • Meta-Analyses: By pooling data from multiple studies, meta-analyses evaluate the accuracy and reliability of various diagnostic tests. These analyses help establish standards for early disease detection tools.
  • Observational Studies: These studies assess the safety and effectiveness of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases across different age groups. They are vital for understanding vaccine impact and addressing public health concerns.

In summary, clinical evidence plays a pivotal role in guiding healthcare professionals as they strive to offer the best possible care. By relying on well-conducted research and rigorous analysis, clinical evidence ensures that medical interventions are not only effective but also safe for patients.

To find out about bring more objectivity to your clinic, check out Best Handheld Dynamometer: Comparison & Review.

Sources

Buetow, Stephen, and Timothy Kenealy. “Evidence‐based medicine: the need for a new definition.” Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 6.2 (2000): 85-92.

Fetters, Linda, and Julie Tilson. Evidence based physical therapy. FA Davis, 2018.

Rycroft‐Malone, Jo, Kate Seers, Angie Titchen, Gill Harvey, Alison Kitson, and Brendan McCormack. “What counts as evidence in evidence‐based practice?.” Journal of advanced nursing 47, no. 1 (2004): 81-90.

Spencer, Trina D., Ronnie Detrich, and Timothy A. Slocum. “Evidence-based practice: A framework for making effective decisions.” Education and treatment of children 35, no. 2 (2012): 127-151.

Titler, Marita G. “The evidence for evidence-based practice implementation.” Patient safety and quality: An evidence-based handbook for nurses (2008).

Exclusive Discounts on Leading Certifications and CECs from PESI
Bestselling Trainings for Physical Therapists
Skills to Coach: Improving the Client Experience One Conversation at a Time
Women’s Health Certificate
Food as Medicine Conference (read our review)
2024 Rehab Summit
Fall Prevention Specialist Certification Course (read our review)
Runner’s Rehab Certificate
Trauma Conference: The Body Keeps the Score-Trauma Healing Through the Senses with Bessel van der Kolk, MD
Healing the Hidden Wounds of Trauma and Disconnection: Featuring Millennial Therapist Sara Kuburic
Fascial Cupping Therapy for Rehabilitation and Performance Enhancement
Chiropractic for Moms: Adjustment Techniques, Soft Tissue Care and Home Exercise for the Pregnant and Postpartum Body
Improving Outcomes in Older Adults with Fall Prevention Essentials
Certification in Primitive Reflex Integration
Sacroiliac Joint Specialist Certification (read our review)
Certificate Course in Neurological Approaches for Self-Regulation: Techniques for Kids with Autism, ADHD & Sensory Disorders
Concussion Management: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Evaluation, Treatment and Return to Activity
Top Down and Bottom Up: A Whole-Body Approach to Lower Extremity Dysfunction and Rehab
Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP) Intensive Training Course: Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing ADHD Across the Lifespan
ADHD for Parents
FREE Self-Regulation & Mindfulness Worksheets … Plus, Certificate Course in Neurological Approaches for Self-Regulation: Techniques for Kids with Autism, ADHD & Sensory Disorders
Executive Function Mastery Course
Documentation and Ethics for PT, OT & Other Rehab Professionals
Prism and the Vestibular System – Vision, Balance, and Behavioral Dysfunction
Nutrition and Cardiovascular Mortality with Kim Allan Williams, MD, MACC, FAHA, MASNC, FESC
Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia in the Neonate
Documentation and Ethics for Rehab Professionals: Avoid Costly Denials, Maximize Reimbursement & Eliminate Paybacks
Therapeutic Interventions for Front Line Service Members: Essentials From the Treatment Table to Boots on the Ground
Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Certification
FREE ONLINE COURSE: IFS Immersion Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) Across Clinical Applications
Orthopedic Myofascial Certificate: Solutions for Pain, Posture & Mobility
Visual Rehab Certificate-Targeted Interventions for OTs, PTs, and SLPs
Stroke Rehab Master Class Best Practices for Improved Outcomes
Certificate Course to Integrate Primitive Reflexes for Optimal Function: Neurological Approaches from Early Intervention to Adolescence
Geriatric Care Certification Course
Pediatric Vision Assessment: Detecting Visual Impediments to Learning and Development
Stabilizing Respiratory Failure Using HFNC and NIPPV
Enjoy our discounts to these professional certifications and CEC courses!

Recent posts

Rippetoe Anecdotal evidence

Anecdotal Evidence: Why You Shouldn’t Discount This Important Evidence

Anecdotal evidence refers to information gathered from personal experiences or individual stories rather...
Clinical evidence columns

Understanding Clinical Evidence: Advancing Health through Practical Research

Clinical evidence is the backbone of modern medicine, offering a foundation for making informed healthcare...
Evidence based practice pyramid of quality of evidence

Evidence Based Practice: What’s Behind this Buzzword?

Whether you’re a physical therapist, Pilates or yoga teacher, personal trainer, or just interested...
Epley maneuver illustrated

Understanding the Epley Maneuver

What is the Epley Maneuver? The Epley Maneuver is a series of specific head and body movements designed...
Vestibular system inner ear

Understanding the Vestibular System

The vestibular system might not be as well-known as other sensory systems, but it plays a crucial role...
Search