What works in implementing guidance and research?
Research Institution / Organisation
College of Policing
In Collaboration With
EPPI-Centre was commissioned to conduct an initial sift of the studies and develop a map of the research.
Principal Researcher
Emily Dryer-Beers
Level of Research
Professional / Work-based
Project Start Date
December 2017
Research Context
This report will present the findings of a rapid evidence assessment (REA) conducted to explore the available evidence on the effectiveness of strategies designed to enhance the uptake of (the use of and adherence to) research evidence and guidelines in practice settings. The report also presents factors identified that influence the successful implementation of these strategies.
The report updates a section of a previous publication from the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) in 2010.
Research Methodology
Rapid evidence assessments (REAs) use transparent, structured and systematic processes to search for, sift and synthesise research on a particular topic. These processes seek to reduce bias and enable others to replicate the review. An REA is not an exhaustive summary of the literature, as limits are placed on the review process in order to deliver results ‘rapidly’.
Searches were carried out in EBSCO, ProQuest, Emerald, Web of Science databases and several open access sources and websites. The databases were searched in December 2017. Initial sifting was conducted by EPPI-Centre. Following the initial sift, details of all included studies were passed to researchers at the College of Policing and sifted on the full text.
Trained researchers coded all eligible studies. A coding protocol was followed to extract the relevant information from the reviews. Any uncertainty was discussed with another coder, and resolved through consultation.
Interim reports and publications
Date due for completion
January 2021
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