What is Evidence Informed Care?
Evidence informed care means using the best available evidence to plan and deliver care. This combines published evidence, clinical expertise and the wishes of service users and their families to provide effective, individualised support.
It also involves collecting outcome measures, service evaluations, audits and patient feedback to understand what works, for whom, and how services can be improved.
What You Will Learn
By watching the videos and working through this section, you will learn how to find, assess and apply evidence to improve care.
Access Current Evidence
Learn where to find up-to-date evidence, guidance and research.
Search for Evidence
Develop search questions and use databases effectively.
Patient Feedback
Understand how patient experience can support service improvement.
Co-production & Outcomes
Use collaboration, outcomes and evidence to improve care delivery.
Journal Clubs
Learn how journal clubs can support critical appraisal and evidence-based practice.
How to Complete this Stage at BCHC
- Review relevant NICE guidance.
- Search the BCHC Knowledge Database.
- Contact Smallwood Library for support.
- Attend literature-searching training.
- Explore Critically Appraised Topics (CATS).
- Search Cochrane Library.
- Register for Open Athens.
- Use Google Scholar to identify current evidence.
- Complete a literature search.
- Join a journal club.
Useful Resources
| Resource | Purpose | Access |
|---|---|---|
| NICE Guidance | National guidance and standards. | Access NICE Guidance |
| Knowledge Database | Previous research, audits and evaluations. | Knowledge Database |
| Smallwood Library | Literature searching and evidence support. | Smallwood Library |
| Cochrane Library | Systematic reviews and evidence summaries. | Search Cochrane |
| Open Athens | Access academic journals and resources. | Register for Open Athens |
| Google Scholar | Quick access to research literature. | Google Scholar |
Top Tip
When using Google Scholar, apply publication-date filters to focus on the most recent and relevant evidence.
Collecting Patient Feedback
Before collecting feedback from patients, register your plans as a service evaluation with the Clinical Governance Team to ensure GDPR compliance and appropriate governance arrangements.
