Health care practices have improved due in part to the use of?

The use of systematic review of research evidence has significantly contributed to improvements in healthcare practices. This approach involves a comprehensive and structured evaluation of existing studies and data concerning specific health interventions or clinical practices. By systematically collecting and synthesizing research findings, healthcare professionals can identify the most effective treatments and practices based on a thorough analysis of the available evidence.

Systematic reviews reduce the risk of bias that might occur when relying on individual studies, which may have limited sample sizes or methodological weaknesses. Instead, they aggregate results from multiple studies, providing a more robust and reliable foundation upon which healthcare decisions can be made. This research-driven approach helps to ensure that healthcare practices are grounded in the best available evidence, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient use of resources.

In contrast, trial-and-error lacks the scientific rigor and can lead to inconsistent practices. Observation and experimentation, while valuable methods of inquiry, do not provide the same level of evidence synthesis or guidance as systematic reviews. Thus, systematic review represents a cornerstone of evidence-based practice in healthcare, making it the best answer in this context.