The Process of Implementing Evidence in Practice

Implementing evidence in practice is a process where health professionals are supported to use research findings more routinely in practice. Unfortunately, important research is often published but not applied routinely for a range of reasons. Many barriers exist.

Barriers to implementing evidence include lack of awareness of the evidence, professionals not having the skills to deliver a treatment or administer a test, and client expectations. Professionals need to do more than read about research to be an ‘evidence-based practitioner’.

Implementation is a complex and active process which involves individuals and teams, systems and organisations. Therefore, this process requires a systematic planned approach. The process of implementation comprises activities that can be summarised into 5 steps:

1). Demonstrating an evidence-practice gap

2). Planning for change

3). Identifying barriers and enablers to change

4). Preparing for and commencing implementation

5). Evaluating and planning