What techniques can you use to make decisions based on the best available evidence?

1 Define the problem

The first step in making evidence-based decisions is to clearly define the problem that you are trying to solve or the goal that you are trying to achieve. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on the relevant information and criteria. To define the problem, you can use tools such as the PICO framework, which stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome. For example, if you want to decide whether to refer a client to a specific service, you can ask yourself: Who is the population that needs the service? What is the intervention that the service provides? What is the comparison group or alternative option? What is the desired outcome that the service aims to achieve?

2 Search for evidence

The next step is to search for evidence that can support or refute your options and help you evaluate their effectiveness and feasibility. Evidence can come from various sources, such as research studies, clinical guidelines, best practices, expert opinions, client feedback, and organizational data. To search for evidence, you can use databases, journals, websites, libraries, or networks that are relevant to your field and topic. You can also use search strategies, such as keywords, filters, and Boolean operators, to refine your results and find the most relevant and reliable evidence.

3 Appraise the evidence

The third step is to appraise the evidence that you have found and assess its quality, validity, and applicability to your problem and context. Not all evidence is equally credible or useful, so you need to be critical and selective about what you use to inform your decisions. To appraise the evidence, you can use tools such as the CASP framework, which stands for Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. This framework provides a set of questions that can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different types of evidence, such as randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, qualitative studies, or case studies.

4 Synthesize the evidence

The fourth step is to synthesize the evidence that you have appraised and summarize the main findings and implications for your problem and options. This will help you compare and contrast the pros and cons of each option and identify the gaps and uncertainties that may exist in the evidence. To synthesize the evidence, you can use tools such as the GRADE framework, which stands for Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. This framework provides a method to rate the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations based on factors such as consistency, precision, directness, and risk of bias.

5 Apply the evidence

The final step is to apply the evidence that you have synthesized and make a decision that is consistent with your problem definition, your evaluation criteria, and your professional judgment. This will help you justify and communicate your decision and its rationale to your clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. To apply the evidence, you can use tools such as the DECIDE framework, which stands for Define, Explore, Compare, Identify, Develop, and Evaluate. This framework provides a process to guide you through the steps of decision making and help you monitor and review your decision and its outcomes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?