Advancing interactive evidence maps: Visualising service commissioning options alongside research

Background

Interactive evidence maps typically visualise characteristics of research evidence, and gaps in evidence, in a particular field.

Aims, Materials & Methods

Here we present an example of an evidence map on digital drug and alcohol interventions in which the research evidence is supplemented with information about interventions in use (or available for use) in England. We used systematic review methods to identify systematic reviews of intervention effectiveness and an online survey to identify interventions in England.

Results

Eighteen reviews and 40 interventions were included in the online map.

Discussion & Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first map to juxtapose research and practice in this way. By extending evidence maps to include data on service provision, it becomes easier to see whether research and practice are aligned and where gaps in either evidence or practice (or both) exist.