Evidence-based practice and evidence-practice gap: status, challenges, and solutions

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is an approach that utilizes the best evidence for patient care, and its importance is growing in various fields to improve patient-centered care. However, the Evidence-Practice Gap (EPG) that occurs in the practical application of EBP remains a significant problem. EPG refers to the gap between research results and actual clinical practice, which can hinder the optimization of patient care and lead to inefficiencies in the healthcare system. This review introduces the concepts of EBP and EPG and examines educational approaches such as Sicilian statements and Core Competencies in Evidence-Based Practice. In addition, we discuss translational research, knowledge transfer, multidisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking, which are key efforts to resolve EPG. In addition, we emphasize the importance of setting research directions using the Evidence Gap Map (EGM) along with national strategies to promote the spread of EBP. This paper discusses how strategic approaches and policy efforts to resolve the EPG can contribute to the actual clinical application of EBP, and suggests future research directions.