Evidence-based practice in the real world:

Abstract

Evidence-based groupwork is becoming essential but is diffi cult to implement in the real world of competing priorities, time and resource constraints. This paper discusses a collaborative pilot-project, in which a scholar-practitioner team adapted evidence-based principles to develop and evaluate an innovative group. As research and practice evidence indicate mothers of children with invisible disabilities have unique, unmet needs, a short-term support-education group was set up. Using a single-case design, intervention was documented, mutual helping was observed and outcome (goal attainment, empowerment, satisfaction) was evaluated. Findings suggest this group was relevant and responsive to these mothers' needs, despite member diversity and a short time frame. Sharing experiences, strategies and resources was seen as especially benefi cial. Factors contributing to the outcome may include appropriate groupwork models, members' strengths and motivation, as well as the collaborative team approach. While this pilot-project allowed innovation while ensuring outcome was monitored, replication is needed to verify outcome, identify infl uential factors and continue to develop evidence- based practices which refl ect the realities of groupwork.