How to use the evidence and knowledge self-assessment tool

Guidance for Knowledge and Library Service (KLS) teams using the knowledge mobilisation self-assessment tool.

The knowledge mobilisation self-assessment tool has been designed to help senior leaders in NHS organisations to quickly assess opportunities to make better use of information, external evidence and organisational knowledge.

The tool invites NHS organisations to: 

• assess what is working well and what more could be done 
• consider initiatives which will make a positive impact upon healthcare 

• prioritise and develop an action plan to help meet objectives

Preparation

In a facilitated session

Introduce the self-assessment

Briefly introduce the self-assessment by re-iterating its' purpose.

Criterion discussion

You should then facilitate a group discussion working through each criterion. Read statements from left to right and following the discussion select the statement and maturity level that best represents the outcome of the discussion.

This works best if you let them read and respond with minimal input from you. You should try asking “what level have you put for…” and they will be able to decide this and shouldn’t need a steer from you. If asked for your opinion, be prepared to give it. 

Allow 15 to 30 minutes depending upon the level of discussion.

Once you have worked through the tool explain the next steps. As the expert in the room, take ownership of this stage in the process and the next step of drawing up the development action plan.

Identify development opportunities

You will work on identifying suitable development opportunities in response to the discussion and arrange a time to present this back to the group. 

As the expert in the room, you should take ownership of this stage in the process and the next step of drawing up an action plan. 

Presenting back development opportunities

Summarise the key outcomes from the self-assessment and thank participants for their input.

Present the pre-prepared action plan and discuss identified development opportunities. You should seek agreement from the senior leaders about which actions they wish to prioritise. You can use the action plan as an opportunity to promote particular services to senior leaders in your organisation.

Continue to work with the team to co-deliver the identified actions.

Use the action plan as an opportunity to promote particular services to teams in your organisation.

Regularly review progress against your action plan and repeat the self-assessment. We recommend repeating the self-assessment after 2 years to track progress.

As you work with more teams you may wish to adopt a full River and Stairs assessment. You can find out more about this in the self-assessment and river diagrams section of the Knowledge Mobilisation Toolkit.

Feedback to knowledge and library service colleagues in your region or nationally about the process using newsletters and via the Knowledge Mobilisation Community of Practice.

Review progress

Regularly review progress against your action plan and repeat the self-assessment. We recommend repeating the self-assessment after 2 years to track progress.

You may wish to adopt a full River and Stairs assessment. You can find out more about this in the self-assessment and river diagrams section of the Knowledge Mobilisation Toolkit.

Feedback

Feedback to Knowledge and Library Service colleagues in your region or nationally about the process using newsletters and mailing lists.