Getting evidence implemented in practice is a lot more difficult than just waving around the odd evaluation report and pointing someone at an evidence-based web site like the Cochrane or Campbell collaboration sites. I was involved in a process earlier this year which was an attempt to work with a sector to get evidence-based practice implemented in practice.It used the Rich Dialog Process (RDP) – a simple deliberation and dialog process to get groups of stakeholders who may have different views on an issue to talk those differences through. The focus was on getting evidence-based practice really happening in the school drug and alcohol education area. An area in which there are a lot of different types of programs running.
The process consisted of a dialog between philanthropy/government funders and providers regarding what is evidence-based practice in regard to such programs. A group of philanthropy/government funders and a group of providers first deliberated in separate meetings on the results of a specifically prepared literature review identifying what is evidence-based practice in the area. The initial conclusions of each group deliberating separately was then shared with the other group. This was followed by a joint dialog meeting where the two groups met to discuss the findings. From this final meeting emerged a statement regarding the role of evidence in funding school-based alcohol and drug programs. Contrary to some expectations, the process ran smoothly with all parties listening to each other and the importance of doing evidence-based practice was emphasized throughout the discussion.
This sort of process may be able to be applied in other sectors. Getting evidence-based practice applied may require a lot of this sort of work which is directed at changing the institutional settings which determine what does and does not get funded. It is part of what needs to happen if evidence-based practice is to be embedded in sector cultures, rather than it being something to which only lip service is paid. More information on running a Rich Dialog Process is available at the site.
Paul Duignan
Outcomesblog.org 