Preparing social work practitioners to use evidence-based practice: A comparison of experiences from an implementation project

Jennifer I. Manuel, Edward J. Mullen, Lin Fang, Jennifer L. Bellamy, Sarah E. Bledsoe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) as a professional model of practice for social work has been suggested as one approach to support informed clinical decision making. However, different barriers and processes have been identified that impact the use of EBP at individual, organizational, and systemic levels. This article describes results from a project that sought to enhance practitioner use of EBP by using a supportive strategy including training and technical assistance through a partnership between university-based researchers and three social work agencies. Results compare similarities and differences across each of the three agencies in terms of barriers and promoters at the team, organizational, and system levels. Results suggest that comprehensive multilevel interventions are needed to support the use of EBP in social work organizations and that further research is needed to test explicit partnership components. Findings suggest that a multilevel approach has the greatest potential to support implementation of EBP in social agencies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)613-627
Number of pages15
JournalResearch on Social Work Practice
Volume19
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2009

Keywords

  • Evidence-based practice
  • Implementation
  • Professional training
  • Social work

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • General Psychology

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