1. What is Evidence? Presented at the Data Leading to Action-From Chaos to Clarity Symposium Winnipeg, January 19-20, 2009 Dexter Harvey

2. Evidence Informed Decision Making Data---Information---Evidence--- Knowledge

3. Data Distinct pieces of information usually formatted in a special way Data can exist in a variety of forms—as numbers or text

4. Information Consists of data arranged in some sort of order so that they acquire meaning or reveal associations between data items A fact is a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

5. Evidence The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. Evidence is information that supports a conclusion

6. WHO definition of “evidence” Findings from research and other knowledge that may serve as a useful basis for decision-making in public health and health care. World Health Organization (2004)

7. CHSRF definition of “evidence” Evidence is information that comes closest to the facts of a matter. The form it takes depends on context. The findings of high- quality, methodologically appropriate research are the most accurate evidence. Because research is often incomplete and sometimes contradictory or unavailable, other kinds of information are necessary supplements to or stand-ins for research. The evidence base for a decision is the multiple forms of evidence combined to balance rigour with expedience – while privileging the former over the latter. CHSRF (2006)

8. Why evidence must be interpreted Inherent uncertainty usually accompanying evidence – definitive studies rare Complexity of decisions and improbability of evidence being comprehensive Need for users to create meaning and interpret evidence before it becomes “knowledge” Evidence is uncertain, dynamic, complex, contestable, rarely complete

9. Knowledge In normal conversation we use knowledge to mean: Knowing the (facts and information) Knowing how (the ability to do something) Working Knowledge: Is found within an environment of context and experience-personal & organizational

10. Sources of Evidence Surveillance Data—Web Sites Grey Literature-Project Reports Systematic Reviews of Multiple Intervention Studies—Web Sites Intervention Research Study—Web Sites Program Evaluation—Web Sites Expert Opinion—Web Sites Word of Mouth Personal Experience Collectively Constructed Multi-Sectoral Data Syntheses