This invitation-only event in June 2022 was organised by NIHR Birmingham, RAND and Cambridge Evaluation Centre (BRACE) and the NIHR Rapid Service Evaluation Team (RSET). It brought together those who carry out, fund and use the findings of rapid evaluations from across the UK. The workshop aimed to share and explore experiences, learning and best practice in rapid evaluation, including insights from BRACE and RSET’s five years as NIHR-funded rapid service evaluation teams.
This was a highly interactive workshop, with a mix of plenary sessions, panel discussions and group activities, including UK-based and international speakers. It focused on key aspects of designing, delivering and maximising the uptake and impact of rapid evaluations.
Topics for discussion included:
1. Rapid evaluation – introduction, overview and key lessons
2. When is rapid appropriate? When to progress or not to progress with a study
3. Balancing speed and rigour
4a. Enabling dissemination and rapid uptake through co-production
4b. Teams and skills – the practice of evaluation
5. Managing uncertainty throughout rapid evaluations
6. The Future of Rapid Evaluations