What does the term "clinical significance" imply in evidence-based practice (EBP)?

The term "clinical significance" in evidence-based practice refers to the practical importance of a treatment effect. This concept goes beyond merely assessing whether a treatment has a statistically significant effect, which can arise from large sample sizes that yield very small but statistically significant results. Clinical significance evaluates whether the size of the treatment effect is meaningful enough to impact patient care and outcomes in a real-world setting.

For instance, a treatment may show a statistically significant result, indicating that there is a difference between treatment and control groups, but if the effect size is very small, it may not be clinically relevant. This assessment helps practitioners decide if the benefits of a treatment justify its risks or costs in a practical sense, ensuring that clinical decisions are based not only on statistical data but also on the actual worth of the intervention in clinical practice.

In sum, clinical significance helps bridge the gap between research and practical application, ensuring that findings lead to improved patient health outcomes.