Module Ten Action Plan In this final module we will discuss your action plan based on the research evidence that you identified.

Possible Next Steps Summary Statement can form basis for: Letter to administration Presentation to peers Request for additional resource funds Seeking out training in a new approach Use of new instruments or tools In order to move forward with your action plan, you will want to think about the concrete product that you are interested in generating. Different actions that you may make will depend upon the question or problem you had in mind and evidence that you found. First, consider whether or not the evidence suggests that you should change your current practice in some way. Even if it does not, you may want to draft a letter to your administrators reporting back your findings based on your synthesis of research statement. This information can be valuable in writing grant reports or other updates for funding or monitoring organizations. If the research does suggest a change in practice, what is that change and how can you target that change. You may need to present your finding to peers or coworkers, seek out new training or funding to support the change, or you may need to secure and implement new instruments or tools.

Next Steps Cont. Resource manual Research at the agency At very least you will want to build some sort of library or resource manual recording your findings and observations. If very little research has been identified, you may even consider studying the problem at your agency or in your own practice. It may indicate a gap in research knowledge that is ripe for study. There are many different possible courses of action that you may take. Consider and discuss your options. Many other considerations will likely surface, such as funding, time, urgency of the need, and competing demands. Remember, research does not dictate, but informs practice. If you or your agency is not equipped to deliver some service or intervention that you have identified, you can still openly discuss this research knowledge with your clients, explain what you currently provide, and help them find other prefered resources if appropriate. A central tenet of EBP is combining research knowledge with client preferences.

Team Plan What will we do with our findings? Who will carry out which steps? When will these steps be carried out? As a team, you will want to discuss your action plan including who will carry out which steps by what date and use the Action Plan handout to record your decisions.

EBP Next Steps How does the group plan to continue using evidence-based practice? Who will carry out these steps? When will these steps be carried out? Finally, you will want to discuss with your team or think about the EBP process. Will you now target a new question or problem? Remember, evidence is always growing and EBP involves a cycle of assessment and reassessment of all areas of practice. You will want to revisit this particular question or problem in the future to add to your current understanding of the issue. Just as in the action plan discussed in the previous slide, you will want to think about the next steps in your EBP process. Will you continue working with the same team, or find new members depending on the problem? If you are working alone, will you build a team with peers who are interested in similar issues? When will you carry out these steps.

Good Luck Congratulations on completing the EBP Modules. Please give us any feedback regarding this training. This is a beta version and is under continuous revision. We wish you the best of luck with your searches.