Real change not rhetoric: Putting research into practice in multi-agency services

by Patricia Sloper

It is well established, particularly in the social care field, that research often fails to influence practice. This report, however, describes a new approach to getting research findings into practice.The project discussed involved researchers working in collaboration with services, to develop multi-agency key worker services for families with disabled children. This required change at both organisational and individual practice levels, within an inter-agency approach. The project therefore addressed a number of thorny issues surrounding the implementation of change.Real change not rhetoric describes the methods used and what worked in promoting change. The authors worked with key personnel to support them in developing and implementing a key worker service, and were able to identify the barriers and opportunities faced in promoting the changes involved. The report provides valuable information and practical guidelines both for researchers wishing to take a more proactive approach in getting their findings into practice, and for managers in service agencies trying to promote change in line with evidence-based practice.This report is a companion to Unlocking key working (The Policy Press, 1999), which focuses on the evaluation of the key worker services themselves.

52 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 1999