What is Good Evidence?

In recent years, there has been a shift in the way that researchers and practitioners have thought about evidence, from a rigid commitment to the strict implementation of rigorously assessed EBPs only, to an understanding of the importance of program adaption in response to local context and the importance of flexibility to address challenges as they arise. Comparing the relative value, quality, and strength of different types of evidence is not straightforward. Although randomised controlled trials (RCTs), focus groups, and observational studies all produce valid forms of evidence, they are not all equally suited to answer the wide range of questions that are of interest to human services organisations. The aim of this report is to provide organisations with a practical guide on how to engage with research evidence in the assessment of their services

Co-Design of an Integrated Intergenerational Model: Uniting Generations Through Shared Spaces

This report sets out the findings from a research project to develop an intergenerational model of care at Uniting Westmead. We review relevant literature to understand what is already known about the impact of intergenerational care models on wellbeing and development outcomes for young children, older adults, other community members, and staff, and distil the core elements of program implementation that are most influential in determining positive outcomes. The research uses a combination of focus groups followed by a co-design workshop. From the research data we develop principles of practice for intergenerational care. Then, the report presents a Theory of Change, developed using a co-design process, which brought together researcher knowledge of the existing evidence, the practice wisdom of Uniting, the lived experience of the young children attending the early learning centre, the older adult residents, and their families and staff members as co-designers