Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to understand the development of the framework of the SIGs

Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to transfer the framework to their own field of practice

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Various approaches exist to enhance the delivery of evidence-based information to front-line practitioners, for example, journal clubs.  In Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust in the United Kingdom, some initiatives were introduced but with only limited success.  Working in a Teaching organisation has implicit criteria that encompass the ethos of learning, development, research, dissemination and delivery of good practice. A new framework was developed and introduced in 2005 to address some of these criteria. 
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are a forum to deliver evidence-based information to nurses and other professional groups within the Bradford & Airedale health district.   The aim of the SIGs is to enhance the delivery of evidence-based information to front-line practitioners and to create dialogue between the multidisciplinary groups who attend each meeting. 
The groups are open to all staff working within a specific area.  They are an opportunity for nurses and other health professionals in primary, acute, social and community services to meet and work together to raise awareness of both national and local new guidance and best practice.  Each group meet on a quarterly basis, choose their own timetable, topics and speakers.
The Health Evidence Support Specialist and Research and Development Coordinator for the Bradford district facilitate each meeting and present the latest evidence and guidelines on the chosen topic.  Attendance is high, and it is hoped other groups will be established.  An evaluation of the groups using a theoretical Framework will take place in late 2006 which will provide information for future development.
The presentation will focus on the background of the SIGs, the necessity of developing a learning culture through the utilisation of educational and research activities and how the framework is transferable in any field of health care practice.  The results of the evaluation will also be presented.