Evidence-based practice: the arguments for and against.

The term evidence-based practice is becoming increasingly common within the health care sector. This is not only because of a search for quality, but also because of economic factors which demand more effective use of resources. This article will present some of the arguments which both support and oppose evidence-based practice. These arguments may at times appear to be contradictory in nature. The implications of evidence-based practice, for both patients and health care workers, is considered.