Evidence-based medicine primarily integrates what two elements?

The correct answer emphasizes the combination of clinical expertise and the best available research evidence, which are central to the practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM).

Clinicians utilize their accumulated knowledge and experience, which constitutes clinical expertise, to make informed decisions about patient care. This expertise is complemented by the best available research evidence, which includes the results of high-quality studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews. By integrating these two components, healthcare providers can deliver care that is not only informed by personal experience but also supported by current scientific understanding. This process aids in ensuring that treatment decisions are effective, safe, and grounded in the latest knowledge.

Patient preferences and cost considerations, while important in the context of providing patient-centered care, do not align with the foundational elements that define evidence-based medicine. Similarly, personal beliefs and public opinion are not systematic components of medical decision-making in the same way as clinical expertise and systematic research evidence are. EBM seeks to minimize bias and reliance on individual beliefs, focusing instead on empirically validated information.