Life Long Learning Project

Foundation Stones - Evidence Based Practice

Are you ambivalent about renewing your journal subscriptions?
Do you feel anger towards prolific authors?
Do you ever use journals to help you sleep?
Are you surrounded by piles of periodicals?
Do you feel anxious when journals arrive?

Is your practice really based on the best available up to date evidence?
…or are you rushed off your feet trying to keep up with the latest waiting list initiative, just wishing there was another way but not sure how to find out?

The Lifelong Learning team have put together a package of resources aimed at supporting AHP/HCS, and their assistants, to develop Evidence Based Practice. Up until August 2006 we will be running training sessions for all interested AHP/HCS and we will also be training Learning Champions to use the resources we have developed so that they can continue to support and develop staff long after our project ends

Evidence Based Practice can best be defined as: the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values (Sackett et al, 2001).

The process consists of finding, appraising and applying evidence, but first and foremost a clear question must be formulated. This is probably the most difficult and crucial step. We can help you to focus on, and refine your question. We can help you to find the evidence you seek, with over 5000 health related articles per day this task can appear overwhelming, and we can also equip you with critical appraisal and change management skills to enable you to get your evidence into practice.

The Lifelong Learning project is due to conclude in September 2006, so our resource packs also include information about local colleges which will continue to support your development. Many of these courses have been paid for by the SHA, so there will be no cost incurred by your department.

And finally we will shortly be launching a website aimed at linking and supporting AHP/HCS as you seek to develop evidence based practice. Support is available through our forum and message board and 1:1 support and e-tutors are planned for the future. It signposts a range of training opportunities, and provides information about funding. There are also a wide range of links, making this a one-stop-shop for all your EBP needs. More information can be found at www.EBPnet.co.uk