Implementing research findings into practice: frameworks and guidance

Health services across the world are constantly introducing changes into their workplaces and these affect many people. As new robust and reliable evidence becomes available, it is important that changes to practice are made. As health professionals, we have to be flexible and accommodate this change; for some this means disruption, challenge and having to learn new ways of doing things. Barriers exist that prevent or delay changes being made to established practice in all organizations, whatever the culture. This is a world-wide problem. It is important to understand the barriers to change so that solutions can be found. Some changes that are needed don't occur, because clinicians are unaware of the new evidence, while for others there needs to be something introduced to drive forward the change. This process is not a passive one; active involvement is needed for the change to be successful. Individual attitudes and beliefs play a significant part in change, and their influences are often underestimated, so these also need to be explored. Practice change may require new skills to be learnt - another obstacle for change.

In this short communication, the science behind evidence implementation is introduced and then some of the factors that impact on change are explored, drawing on three useful models and frameworks.

Ultimately there remains a gap between interventions that research has shown to be effective and their translation into practice; this has to be closed.