Background Evidence-informed policy and practice is a priority for local government public health in the UK. This can be challenging when decisions are time-bound, deal with complex issues and are politically sensitive. While there are many conceptual frameworks for mobilising research evidence there is a gap for rapid response methods that make use of existing evidence and practice knowledge. This paper outlines a novel method: Evidence Learning Sets. Derived from Action Learning Sets, the method was developed in a partnership between a knowledge mobilisation programme and public health professionals in five local authorities in England. It was developed through an applied case example of alcohol licensing. Methods Five phases of Evidence Learning Sets were developed, including a pre-Set scoping phase. The phases were: Phase t-1: Creating a conducive environment for knowledge mobilisation Phase 1: Setting the scene and surfacing problems Phase 2: Answering questions with evidence and other knowledge Phase 3: Taking stock and making knowledge actionable Phase 4: Co-creating actionable outputs. The case example was conducted over four months and included seven group members and a facilitator (knowledge broker). Appraisal The Evidence Learning Set model consisted of several features highlighted in the knowledge mobilisation literature. The case example attended to building convivial relationships, structured content around deliberation and delivered co-created actionable tools. Several elements of the method remain underdeveloped and could be tailored further to meet the needs of specific problem domains and practitioners. Full evaluation, including establishing and testing a more detailed theory of change would be beneficial. Conclusion Evidence Learning Sets offer a practical solution to mobilising knowledge when decisions about practice are time bound, sensitive, complex and/or emergent. It demonstrates early promise and is potentially suited to a range of complex public health practice issues.
Such et al. (Tue,) studied this question.