What Is A Best Practice?

Despite much discussion, there is no universally accepted definition of a best practice--and continuing debate over terminology and definitions can even create a roadblock to action.

At a minimum, a best practice must: Demonstrate evidence of success, affect something important, that is, contribute to the organization's mission or program goals, and have the potential to be replicated or adapted to other settings (Advance Africa, 2005; United Nations Population Fund, 2001).

1. Best Practices are innovative.
2. Best Practices make a difference.
3. Best Practices have a sustainable effect.
4. Best Practices have the potential for replication.
   
   

What are the benefits of sharing best practices?

1. Raise the overall quality of services;
2. Improve operations at poorly performing units so that their performance more closely approaches
   that at the best units;
3. Avoid duplication of effort or "reinventing the wheel";
4. Minimize the need to redo work because poor methods led to poor quality; and
5. Save money through increased productivity and efficiency (NHS, 2001; Skryme, 2002).

 

Here are five steps to identify and share promising/best practices within your organization:

1. Look for successes
2. Identify and validate best practices
3. Document best practices
4. Create a strategic plan to share best practices
5. Adapt and apply best practices  

 

Key Steps in Identifying and Sharing Best Practices

Sharing Local Best Practices

Finding Best Practices in your own Backyard.

 

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