One of the Centre for Evidence and Implementation's (CEI’s) core approaches to making evidence more ‘implementable’ is by using practice elements as the building blocks for intervention and program design. But what are practice elements exactly? And how do we design programs with good implementation in mind from the start, all the while maintaining a commitment to building the evidence through robust evaluation?

This video from CEI unpacks the practice elements approach. Practice elements are discrete techniques found within a broad range of programs and interventions that are effective in enabling change; they are the common building blocks of programs that have been shown to work to bring about better outcomes.

Example practice elements might include building family communication skills, enhancing problem-solving skills, or goal-setting – all common techniques within parenting programs. These discrete practices can be used flexibly according to client need.