Purpose of the tool

This stage involves appraising the best available research to guide your solution and build a strong rationale for change. The goals of this stage are to: (a) describe the evidence-practice gap; and (b) confirm the proposed change is supported by the best available research and practice evidence.

How to use the tool

Work through the questions below, then create your own Evidence Summary. When you have completed the questions, you can print or save the tool to guide discussion with your colleagues or mentor.

Need more information?

If you’re unsure where to start or want to learn about this TRIP stage, click below to go to the relevant Learning Hub page.

Learn about Evidence to Support Change

1. What is the evidence-practice gap?Briefly describe the difference between current practice and best or recommended practice, based on evidence.

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Recognising your evidence-practice gap helps clarify the focus for change and ensure your efforts are directed toward meaningful improvement.

Keep responses factual and concise; cite evidence or local data where available.

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Use the TRIP Evidence Practice Gap Analysis Decision Matrix to compare potential gaps and select priorities for action.

2. What is the evidence to support change?Summarise the key evidence sources that support the proposed change. For each source, briefly note what it shows and why it is relevant.

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Search for and review the best available evidence to justify and design your proposed change. Sources may include:

  • Clinical guidelines
  • Systematic reviews
  • High-quality research studies
  • Insights from local research or experts and practice leaders

Strong evidence underpins credibility, supports decision-making, and helps design interventions likely to succeed.

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Use the PICO acronym to create a searchable question:

  • P – Population: Who is affected or experiencing the problem?
  • I – Intervention: What treatment or service model is being proposed?
  • C – Comparison: What is currently being done (usual practice)?
  • O – Outcome: What measurable improvement or change is expected?
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Your librarian can assist with literature searches or rapid evidence reviews. Explore databases such as PubMed, Scopus, or other tools available on the QH-TRIP website.

3. Is the evidence for change relevant to this context?Describe how the evidence applies to your local setting. If the evidence differs from your context, explain how you plan to adapt it.

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Assess whether the evidence fits your local context. Consider setting, resources, workflow, population, community needs, timeframe, organisational protocols, and readiness for change. Evidence must be relevant to be translated into sustainable practice.

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Apply the 6 A’s Framework

The 6 A’s Framework aligns with knowledge-to-action cycles used in implementation science. Use the 6 A’s as a guide to move from research to action:

  • Ask – Formulate a clear, answerable question
  • Access – Locate the best available evidence
  • Appraise – Evaluate its quality and relevance
  • Aggregate – Combine and interpret findings
  • Apply – Integrate evidence into your TRIP project
  • Assess – Evaluate outcomes and impact
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Appraise the Quality of the Evidence

Critically appraise each source to confirm the research is reliable, valid, and applicable. This ensures your TRIP project is grounded in trustworthy evidence that leads to measurable improvements. See the CASP checklists below for structured appraisal tools.

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The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) provides practical checklists to assess the trustworthiness, relevance, and results of research studies. These tools help structure your evaluation and support transparent decision-making.

Access the CASP Checklists online for structured guidance.

Output: Evidence Summary

Evidence summaries support decision-making by distilling key research findings, assessing evidence quality, and outlining implications for practice. Integrate findings from multiple sources and clearly link evidence to your proposed change.

Example: Current evidence shows that exercise guidance using KMIT in cardiac rehabilitation improves rate of discharge to home by improving independence in bed transfers and mobility. This evidence will be applied within Queensland hospital and outpatient sites to address variations in exercise and lifting prescriptions after surgery with the aim of achieving consistent safe discharge and better utilisation of acute hospital care.

Developed from Gach et al. (2021). “Keep Your Move in the Tube” safely increases discharge home following cardiac surgery. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 13, 1321–30. doi:10.1002/pmrj.12562

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Evidence summaries support decision-making by distilling key research findings, assessing evidence quality, and outlining implications for practice. Integrate findings from multiple sources and clearly link evidence to your proposed change.

An evidence summary may include:

  • The proposed intervention/practice – what the ‘thing’ is
  • The desired health outcome – what the ‘thing’ improves
  • Key findings – a summary of the evidence supporting the ‘thing’
  • Health service context – where the evidence will be applied
  • Local need or gap – what the ‘thing’ will address
  • Intended improvement in practice, service delivery, or outcomes