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Developing Evidence Enriched Practice (DEEP)

DEEP is a co-production approach to developing social care and health policy and practice. We use story and dialogue methods to help us gather, explore and use different types of evidence.

Background

The DEEP programme, based at Swansea University and Bangor University, was developed through a project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Health and Care Research Wales. 

We’ve been funding DEEP since 2023.

The DEEP definition of evidence

DEEP’s definition of evidence brings together:

  • research evidence
  • the wisdom and knowledge of practitioners
  • organisational knowledge
  • the wisdom and knowledge of people who access care and support.

The DEEP approach helps us find and address issues that get in the way of using evidence in practice. The aim is to nurture learning and development that’s led by the people involved, not imposed on them.

The DEEP approach

The DEEP approach brings people together to think and talk about different types of evidence.

There are five elements to the DEEP approach:

1. Create an enriched environment of care and learning

This means helping people create safe spaces, where they feel valued and able to share their thoughts and feelings in relation to learning and development.

2. Value and use a range of evidence

This means looking at different types of evidence, including lived experience, practitioner wisdom, organisational knowledge, and research.

3. Gather and present evidence in meaningful formats

This means sharing evidence in formats that engage both the heart and the head, with a focus on using stories.

4. Talk and think together effectively about diverse types of evidence

Use dialogue-learning techniques to support inclusive opportunities for people to explore different types of evidence within the context of practice.

5. Recognise and address barriers or structural obstacles

Identify and explore how to overcome systemic issues that undermine the use of evidence in practice.

A beautiful garden

The DEEP approach can be compared to creating a beautiful garden:

Firstly, we prepare the ground to create the right soil: this relates to how we create the right conditions for using evidence.

Then, we plant a range of seeds: this corresponds to the way we gather, appraise and share different kinds of evidence.

Finally, we grow the seeds: this reflects how we support learning and development through dialogue about evidence.

This video helps explain this approach in more detail:

The DEEP handbook

You can find out more about the DEEP approach in our DEEP handbook, available in pdf format here:

DEEP Handbook
PDF 2.484 MB

Find out more

Learn more about DEEP principles and methods.

Explore learning opportunities with DEEP.

Book on DEEP events, learning sessions and courses via our events page or the DEEP eventbrite link.

The following blogs also explore different aspects of the DEEP approach:

Meet the team

Nick Andrews

Nick Andrews

Research and practice development officer (DEEP)

I'm a registered social worker based at Swansea University, where I co-ordinate the DEEP programme. The focus of this work is a co-production approach to using diverse types of evidence in learning and development, including story and dialogue methods. Having spent many years in practice and planning in social care services, I can make connections between research, policy and practice. I've developed an extensive network across Wales and the UK and I'm passionate about supporting a shift from process-driven to relationship-centred practice.

Gill Toms

Gill Toms

Research and practice development officer (DEEP)

I have a background in psychology and research. My research interests include dementia and short breaks for unpaid carers. I'm based at Bangor University and have worked in DEEP for a couple of years. I've really enjoyed learning more about social care from practitioners and from people who access social care services.

I feel fortunate to be in a role where I can learn so much from others. Outside of work, my passion is walking in the mountains and along the coastline of North Wales. Hefyd, dwi’n mwynhau dysgu Cymraeg ond dw i eisiau gwella!