Workshops

We deliver tailored workshops and presentations addressing the 'how to' of using research evidence in public health decision making. Workshop topics include:

What is evidence-informed decision making? Evidence-Informed Decision Making (EIDM) 101 – A basic introduction that gives structure, definition, and tools to the evidence-informed process. We review the model on which EIDM is based as well as the steps to doing EIDM. Participants have time to discuss in small and large groups the EIDM steps.

Where should we look for the best available evidence? Searching for Evidence to Support Evidence-Informed Decision Making – We review good sources for finding the best available research evidence in public health, using a tool that guides you through the process. You’ll learn how to decide when you can stop searching, and other strategies to make searches more efficient. Live demos will be accompanied by discussion and hands-on practice where a computer lab is available.

How do we know whether the evidence we find is good or not? Critical Appraisal of Relevant Evidence – This workshop teaches critical appraisal including appropriate tools for the different types of evidence, so that you can judge quality of the evidence you have located through searches. Standard quality criteria and tools will be used with hands-on practice.

What do we do once the best available evidence is synthesized? Adapting and Applying Evidence in Your Local Context – We will discuss how organizations and individuals can put the research evidence they have synthesized into practice locally, applying an existing tool. Discussion can include setting up a work group, taking a collaborative approach, and strategies for documenting and applying this process for planning on a larger scale, as part of policies and procedures.

What if we want something completely different than anything listed here? We agree with you that something customized would be best! We’d be happy to talk with you to come up with an idea to meet the needs of your staff and/or organization. Please contact us and we’ll respond very shortly to set up a time to talk more about your ideas, and offer some thoughts for you to consider.