In recent decades evidence-based practice (EBP) has gained recognition as a requirement for a good professional practice, In professions such as medicine it has become a service delivery norm, a requirement and an indicator of practice accountability. Though its origin is credited to medical practice, EBP has become an important part of many other professions such as nursing, allied health services, mental health, community health, social work, psychology and teaching. It is now being promoted as an acceptable and scientific method for policy formulation and practice assessment.