In this document, we set out the core principles underlying high quality evaluation. We also describe some of the methods that can be used, highlighting potential pros and cons and our advice on when they should be used in the innovation process. 

Problem trees and driver diagrams can help you to understand the causes and effects of your problem. These methods will also support you to identify potential interventions or solutions and anticipate the effects that these may have.

Knowledge sharing is vital for sharing good practice, enabling adoption and spread of innovations, and preventing people from making the same mistakes again. This guide will introduce you to different types of knowledge, some principles and techniques for knowledge sharing.

The Strategy Unit was recently approached to examine the case for a shift from traditional outpatient services to the use of virtual and remote access technologies for appropriate outpatient appointments. An essential part of this assessment was broadly scoping the potential socio-economic impacts of the shift – something that is arguably not always given enough consideration when thinking about transforming services. This work was commissioned by Andy Williams, Accountable Officer at Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG. 

The pre-mortem technique was developed by Klein (2007) using ‘prospective hindsight’ to identify risks at the outset of a project. This provides the opportunity to address those risks or concerns and increase the project’s chance of success.

A high proportion of patients treated for physical health conditions also have co-morbid mental health problems; and there is growing acceptance of a need to raise awareness of mental health issues in acute hospitals and improve the experience of care and treatment for this group.

Commissioned by NHS England, this report describes the state of electronic palliative care coordination systems in the West Midlands.  It draws on a review of the literature, interviews with local NHS staff and responses to information requests. 

The problems facing health and care services are so well known as to be documented in the media most days. These problems arise from a mismatch between need and provision: a mismatch where there is no reason to assume fundamental change. So innovation – in both product and process – is needed.

Yet innovation doesn’t just happen. It must be encouraged and nurtured. It must also be supported with evaluative tools and disciplines: evidence is needed to inform decisions as to whether innovations are scaled, stopped or refined.