The Evidence Guide

Helps social care professionals find, judge and apply research evidence in practice.

This easy to use modular resource is perfect for anyone - from commisioning managers to social work students - wanting to know how to make better use of research evidence in practice and service development.

The modules work as a complete course or stand alone, making this a flexible, manageable way to get to grips with research. Just buy what you need.

The learner's packs are full of real life examples and practical applications; they give you everything you need to explore the integration of evidence into practice.
The trainer's packs equip you to run your own in house training with session plans, handouts, slides and activity ideas. Or you can commission bespoke training from Barnardo's if you prefer.

What are the five modules?

Module 1 - Using Research Evidence in Practice: An Introduction

• what 'research evidence' is and why we need to use it
• identify factors that affect practitioner decision making and the role of research
• all evidence is not equal - challenging claims to authority
• appraising obstacles/enablers to using research
• making sense of research jargon

Module 2 - Locating Research Evidence in Five Steps

• how to formulate a search question and strategy on a specific practice issue
• identifying key search terms
• how to broaden or narrow your search
• using online gateways and databases to find research
• how to get full copies of research papers

Module 3 - Appraising and Reviewing Research Evidence

• the importance of critical appraisal - tried and tested critical thinking tools provided
• understanding quantitative and qualitative research methods
• the different types of questions that quantitative and qualitative methods can answer
• a gentle guide to understanding statistics

Module 4 - Adapting and Applying Evidence: issues for individual practitioners and organisations

• practical paths to becoming an evidence-based organisation
• identifying obstacles and enablers to acting on evidence
• increasing access to evidence for practitioners, team managers and project leaders
• presenting evidence to achieve change and developing dissemination plans
• developing a strategy for evidence based practice

Module 5 - Outcome-Focused Evaluation

• the evaluation cycle – six easy steps
• outcome or output? Knowing the difference and measuring them
• selecting indicators and identifying sources of evidence
• what and when? Planning your evaluation
• how? Methods and tools for collecting and recording data
• analysing and presenting evaluation data
• reflecting on practice, learning from and sharing findings

Purchase one or more modules of the Evidence Guide today

Find out about our Evidence Guide training workshops.

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