How do you share your evidence-based practice?

1 Know your audience

Before you present your EBP, think about who you are talking to and what their needs, interests, and perspectives are. Are they familiar with the topic and the evidence? Are they open to change or resistant to it? Are they busy or have time to listen? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message, tone, and format to suit them. For example, you might use different language, examples, and visuals for a physician than for a patient or a manager.

2 Prepare your message

Once you know your audience, you need to prepare your message. This means organizing your EBP into a clear, concise, and compelling story. Start with the main point or goal of your EBP, then explain the problem or gap that it addresses, the evidence and methods that support it, the results and benefits that it achieves, and the implications and actions that it requires. Use simple and direct language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and provide examples and data that illustrate your points. Also, anticipate and address any questions, objections, or concerns that your audience might have.

3 Choose your format

Depending on your audience and your message, you might choose different formats to share your EBP. For example, you might use a poster, a brochure, a presentation, a report, a video, or a podcast. Whatever format you choose, make sure it is appropriate, accessible, and attractive for your audience. Use visuals, charts, graphs, and images to enhance your message and make it easier to understand. Use headings, bullet points, and summaries to highlight the key points and make it easier to scan. Use colors, fonts, and layouts that are consistent and professional.

4 Deliver your message

When you are ready to share your EBP, you need to deliver your message with confidence and enthusiasm. Whether you are speaking, writing, or recording, you need to engage your audience and make them care about your EBP. Use a friendly and respectful tone, avoid being defensive or aggressive, and show empathy and appreciation for your audience. Use stories, anecdotes, and humor to make your message more relatable and memorable. Use questions, feedback, and discussion to make your message more interactive and collaborative.

5 Follow up your message

After you share your EBP, you need to follow up your message with actions and evaluations. This means ensuring that your audience has received and understood your message, that they have the resources and support to implement your EBP, and that they have the tools and methods to measure and report the outcomes and impacts of your EBP. You also need to keep in touch with your audience and update them on any changes, challenges, or successes related to your EBP. Finally, you need to reflect on your own experience and learn from it for future EBP sharing.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?