How to use the evidence and knowledge self-assessment tool

About using the evidence and knowledge self-assessment tool guidance for KLS Teams

Guidance for Knowledge and Library Service Teams using the Knowledge Mobilisation Self-Assessment Tool. 

This 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 

The role of the library and knowledge specialist

A member of the Library and Knowledge Service team should:  

• introduce the tool to senior leaders across an organisation 

• request access to the tool using the e-mail [email protected] 

• follow training and instructions to set-up the tool for senior leaders to complete 

• distribute the tool or hold a facilitated group session to complete the tool 

• review responses and identify opportunities to develop 

• present opportunities as an action plan for agreement to develop with senior leaders 

TIP: If you are uncertain about taking this to your Board then why not start with a team, department or division within your organisation 

 

Preparation for the KLS facilitator 

Review the training materials or attend a training session  

Familiarise yourself with the tool – a sample is available for you to complete 

Identify who you will target to complete the tool and think about how you will present this 

Consider current priorities for your target group 

Think about development opportunities that you want to promote to this senior team 

Set-up the tool and send to participants or schedule a facilitated group session  

Schedule time after the session to prepare and present an action plan of development opportunities – review the sample for ideas. 

Preparation for participants 

Share with participants the benefits of considering knowledge as an asset 

Work with participants to help them consider how they are completing the tool  - on behalf of the team or directorate or organisation rather than from an individual perspective. 

If holding a facilitated group session, consider allowing some time at the start for participants to read through the criteria. 

If sending the tool for individuals to complete separately be clear about when you need responses returned and establish a time to review the results and discuss identified development opportunities with the full team. 

In a facilitated session 

Briefly introduce the self-assessment re-iterating the purpose 

Facilitate a group discussion workign 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 

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

Allow 15 – 30 minutes depending upon the level of discussion  

Once you have worked through the tool explain the next steps.  You will work on identifying suitable development opportunities in response to the discussion and arrange a time to present this back to the group. 

TIP: As the expert in the room, 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, discuss identified development opportunities, and seek agreement from the senior leaders about which actions they wish to prioritise. 

Continue to work with the senior leaders to co-deliver the identified actions 

TIP: Use the action plan as an opportunity to promote particular services to senior leaders in your organisation 

Regularly review progress against your action plan and repeat the self-assessment, we would recommend after two years to track progress.   

TIP: 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 mailing lists like the Knowledge Mobilisation Community of Practice.