Identifying a problem

This stage defines the clinical problem or evidence-practice gap so your project targets a meaningful issue and establishes a clear rationale for change. Before implementing evidence in practice, clarify why you are undertaking your TRIP project and what change you aim to achieve.

Identify a Problem

Focus on defining the clinical problem or evidence-practice gap before moving to evidence and planning.

Visit the Implementation Masterclass at the CLE Learning Library to learn more.

Identifying an evidence-practice gap

There are two common ways to identify an evidence-practice gap.

Starting with evidence

Use this approach when new evidence or guidelines emerge that differ from current practice.

Starting question: Is the new evidence consistent with how we currently deliver care?

Starting with a clinical problem

Use this approach when a problem or gap is recognised in day-to-day clinical practice.

Starting question: Is there evidence or best practice to address this issue?

Choose the approach that best fits your project context.

Does a gap between evidence and practice exist?

There are two ways to identify an evidence-practice gap. Select your starting point:

New knowledge or evidence identified
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Is this knowledge being applied in practice?
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No need to change anything! Monitor practice and support others to practice this way.
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A TRIP project may be of value Review current practice and implement new evidence or knowledge if applicable in your setting/context.

Identifying and understanding the problem

Identifying an Evidence-Practice Gap: How to identify your clinical problem.

Prioritising evidence-practice gaps

When you identify more than one potential issue, consider using a decision matrix to prioritise. Assess both frequency (how often it occurs) and impact (the significance of its consequences).

These tools can help you decide whether a problem should be addressed and what to focus on first.

Open Evidence-Practice Gap Assessment Tool
Open Evidence-Practice Gap Decision Matrix

Build a Plan for Change

Ready to identify your problem? Use the online Identify a Problem tool to explore whether an evidence-practice gap should be addressed and to start structuring your response.

Open TRIP Change Builder – Identify a Problem

Resources

Access additional resources below to build your knowledge about how to identify a clinical problem.

Want to learn more?

Access our implementation series modules

Take me to the Implementation Series Modules

Ready for the next step?

Explore Evidence to Support Change and learn how to locate, appraise, and apply the best available evidence to support your proposed change.

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