Evolution of an Evidence Collaboration: From Initial Goals to Current Initiatives.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Improvement
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Background:

• Clinicians require evidence-based practices for safe, effective, patient-centered care.
• Integrating research, clinical expertise, and patient values is challenging but crucial for optimal decision-making.
• Existing systems often lack a cohesive approach to evidence utilization.

Observation:

• An interdisciplinary community of practice, the Evidence Collaboration, was established to address these challenges.
• This initiative created a common language, resources (e.g., Let Evidence Guide Every New Decision system), and dissemination templates.
• The collaboration aligned evidence work across multiple functional areas and disciplines.

Findings:

• The Evidence Collaboration has fostered a culture that encourages evidence-based decision-making.
• Novices and experts across disciplines are better equipped to identify, appraise, synthesize, and disseminate evidence.
• The initiative aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of clinical practice.

Implications:

• This model enhances the integration of research, clinical expertise, and patient/family preferences.
• It promotes a systematic approach to evidence-based practice at an organizational level.
• Future efforts will focus on actively including patients and families in evidence-based decision-making processes.