Promoting evidence-based practice in population health at the local level: a case study in workforce capacity development.
This paper describes a service-based initiative to enhance capacity for evidence-based practice (EBP) in the South Western Sydney Area Health Service Division of Population Health. A working group planned an organisational response to a customised EBP needs assessment using the New South Wales Department of Health's framework for capacity building focussing on five key action areas; organisational development, workforce development, resource allocation, leadership and partnerships. Innovative strategies to promote EBP were developed and implemented and on-site training programs that targeted specific groups of staff were conducted. Because there was commitment and leadership from senior staff for the initiative, a comprehensive approach to building capacity for EBP in population health was possible. Evidence of impact needs to be collected in the future.
Population Health, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Eastern Campus Liverpool Hospital, and School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Michelle.Maxwell@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Michelle L
ML
Maxwell
Armita
A
Adily
Jeanette E
JE
Ward
D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006280:Health Workforce; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009517:New South Wales; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D040841:Resource Allocation; D013192:Staff Development; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*