Evidence based practice from the ashes of clinical freedom

Matt Perry
Friday, December 2, 2016

Clinical freedomPrior to the 1980s, clinical judgement played a large part in decision-making (Hampton, 2011; Hampton, 1983), by in large leaving research the role of informing education, rather than practice. The perception at the time was that evidence based practice would simply result in a plethora of protocol driven instructions which would remove clinicians' ability to develop a treatment based on individual patient needs (Schwalm and Yusuf, 2011).This fear may not have been entirely borne out in medicine; however, in paramedic practice it could be argued that being subject to strict protocols such as those found in the national clinical guidelines give some credibility to the argument of 30 years ago. Clinical freedom may often be elusive for paramedics, but true evidence based practice does allow for freedom based on evidence.Evidence based practice is a means to improve clinical practice, where scientific literature (evidence) forms the basis for clinical decisions. It is not the intention that research results will be able to overtake professional skills or negate patient/client choice; quite the reverse, only by using clinical knowledge and listening to patients or clients can Paramedics use research results appropriately.

Subscribe to get full access to the Journal of Paramedic Practice

Thank you for vising the Journal of Paramedic Practice and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the only journal dedicated to those working in emergency care, you can start your subscription today for just £48.

CPD Focus

Reading the Journal of Paramedic Practice counts towards your professional development

Develop your career

We provide professional information dedicated to paramedics covering training, education and jobs

Stay informed

Get the latest clinical information to ensure you are aware of the latest think and best practice in paramedicne

Subscribe now

Already registered? - Sign in here