What does evidence-based practice in health care integrate to improve care decisions?

Evidence-based practice in health care is a foundational approach that seeks to enhance care decisions by integrating multiple facets of knowledge and experiences. The correct choice focuses on combining clinical expertise and patient values, which together ensure that health care decisions are not only scientifically grounded but also respectful and responsive to the individual preferences and needs of patients.

Clinical expertise refers to the skills, knowledge, and experience that health care providers acquire through their training and practice. It emphasizes the importance of clinicians using their professional judgment when diagnosing and treating patients. On the other hand, patient values reflect what is important to patients, including their beliefs, preferences, and experiences, which are essential for providing person-centered care. Integrating these elements supports a holistic approach, helping to ensure that care decisions reflect the best available evidence while still aligning with what patients deem important for their own health and well-being.

Other choices highlight elements that are less directly related to the improvement of care decisions. While insurance policies and administrative guidelines are important for operational and financial aspects of health care, they do not directly improve clinical care or ensure that patient preferences are acknowledged. Similarly, while aligning research evidence with community needs is valuable, it does not address the individual clinician-patient interaction and the specific needs of individual patients that are central to