An update on our evidence-based practice project

One of our projects in the PPN KSS has been focusing on evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP is considered as a dynamic interplay between three aspects; research, clinical expertise, and patient preference.

We wanted to find out whether this definition is shared by psychological professionals in the KSS region, and were also keen to hear the opinions of Experts by Experience on the subject. We sent out an online survey, and received 145 responses – many thanks if you were one of the respondents! We also conducted interviews with Experts by Experience from Kent, Surrey and Sussex to establish their experiences with EBP; another huge thanks to them for sharing their insights.

The key findings:

• The above definition of EBP is not shared fully by psychological professionals, and “research” was more frequently referenced than “clinical expertise” and “patient preference”
• Psychological professionals cited challenges such as lack of time to engage in EBP; limited access to library and knowledge services; and that research studies often do not recruit participants who are similar to their patient population, meaning that the results may not be applicable to them
• Experts by Experience cited challenges such as limited knowledge about how to get involved; the “fear factor” associated with taking part in research; prior negative experiences with research; and practical issues such as being able to travel to contribute to EBP
• Psychological professionals reported opportunities in KSS including routine collection of patient data; clinical supervision; attending conferences or seminars; and being a member of research networks
• Experts by experience reported opportunities to be involved by attending lived experience advisory panels; and taking on peer researcher roles. However, these opportunities were mainly based in Sussex and little information was known about the other counties

The next steps for this project:

• We will be promoting the three-part model of EBP across the region – this may include creating a short film with psychological professionals and Expert by Experience voices; and using other media such as a Twitter chat; and/or a blog series featured in our e-newsletter and on the PPN KSS website
• We will also engage with Library and Knowledge Services (LKS) across the region and create a plan to improve awareness and access to LKS for psychological professionals across KSS
• We will be looking into generating a proposal for a project to offer support with answering service improvement questions, using routinely collected outcome or service data

For more information on this project or to get involved, please contact us via email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Eloise Tierney

Research Assistant, PPN KSS