1. What topic should you focus on?

There are many ways in which a search for evidence can be triggered. Some of the more common include:

• Local evaluations of services
• Service user feedback
• Team results against national or local Performance Indicators
• New national research findings
• New legislation or guidance

When finalising your topic of investigation, ensure you can answer ‘yes’ to at least four of the five questions below:

• It ties in with our strategic objectives and/or key priorities
• It is important to service users
• There is likely to be a body of research evidence on the topic
• We will be able to evaluate our own practice in this area
• We are able and prepared to change our practice in this area