Asking a Question: Linking Evidence With Practice.

Abstract

For clinicians and researchers alike, a clear and answerable question is the starting line of the evidence-based practice process. For clinicians, the question captures the patient and defines the information needed to treat this patient. For researchers, the question directs study design and drives everything from recruitment to reporting. The question is also the anchor point that links clinical practice to research. Engaging in evidence-based practice forces a subconscious process that occurs during assessment of the patient into the conscious mind and makes it explicit. Clearly and concisely defining the question leads directly to the search for relevant research. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(7):596-597. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.0702.