Regular readers of Evidence Soup already know that the 'evidence-based' concept is gaining steam in a variety of sectors. A recent book discusses how evidence is being used to improve the delivery of public services.
In What works? Evidence based policy and practice in public services (Ed.: Davies, Nutley, & Smith), the authors remind us that "what matters is what works." This is a battle cry we all could use. What counts is what works - but how can we actually tell what works? And what can we do with this knowledge to actually influence practice? As all parts of the public sector embrace 'evidence' as a means of providing more effective and efficient public services, this book provides a timely and novel contribution to such debates. The authors consider the role of evidence in specific public policy areas (healthcare, education, criminal justice, social care, welfare, housing, transport and urban renewal), using experts in each field to explore the creation, dissemination and use of evidence within each. They consider in particular:
· How is research evidence of service effectiveness created?
· How does such evidence shape policy and influence service delivery?
· What efforts are being made to encourage greater utilisation of evidence in policy and practice?" Although the specific examples are from U.K.-based agencies, the concepts are equally relevant in the U.S. or elsewhere.
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