Making a reality of evidence-based practice: Some lessons from the diffusion of innovations

The 1990s saw an upsurge of interest in wing research evidence to inform pu blic sector policy and practice. Yet, if such evidence is to have impact, w ays must be found to move beyond the simple dissemination of research findi ngs. Strategies need to be developed which encourage the uptake and utilisa tion of evidence. In exploring ways in which evidence-based practice might be achieved, the lessons gleaned fr om an examination of the literature on the diffusion of innovations are presented. The implications of these lesso ns for ongoing organizational learning are also outlined.