Evidence-informed practice means using evidence to design, implement and improve our programs and services. This evidence can be:
See What is Evidence? for more information.
When designing and implementing programs or services, it is important for program implementers to use research evidence to determine what will work best to improve client outcomes.
Using research to design and implement programs enables us to determine the expected efficiency, effectiveness, and potential impact of a new program prior to implementation. This means we can be confident our programs and services will benefit families and communities.
Research evidence gives us a greater understanding of what works, what works well, what doesn’t work and what needs to be changed. We can use this information to ensure our programs and services meet the needs of the families and communities we work with, in the best possible way.
Using research evidence supports us to:
Practitioner expertise is an important element of evidence-informed practice. Experienced practitioners have vital knowledge and skill sets related to direct practice with families and communities and the service systems they work in (e.g. building positive relationships, retaining clients). Practitioners can use this experience to identify relevant research and interpret and apply it appropriately to their client’s situation (McCracken & Marsh, 2007).
Practitioner expertise can also be used to identify if a program needs to be adapted for a client or in a specific context and if so, how. This is especially important when a new program or service is being implemented.
Practitioner expertise should be integrated with client values and preferences. Having open and honest discussions with clients about the issues they face and options for how to address them is a key element of evidence-informed practice. Actively empowering clients to have their voices heard, to make informed decisions and to have real influence leads to services that are better tailored to individual needs, preferences and values. Incorporating client voice into program design and delivery help prevent avoidable harm and it results in better client outcomes.
We should use evidence to ensure the children, young people, families and communities we work with receive the best possible service and achieve positive client outcomes.
We can use evidence to:
16 Feb 2022
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future.
Informed by lessons of the past, Department of Communities and Justice is improving how we work with Aboriginal people and communities. We listen and learn from the knowledge, strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors, Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal communities.
You can access our apology to the Stolen Generations.