Practitioner Perspectives of Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract

Social work practitioners decide when and how to use evidence in their practice. There remains, however, little evidence to date about social workers’ perspectives about and implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). This survey of a national sample of social workers adds to our knowledge about how social workers locate information, how they determine the usefulness of the information, what barriers exist for the use of an EBP process, and whether their workplaces are oriented toward EBP. Findings suggest that barriers may be more complex than previously reported, but that social workers find evidence, read the professional literature, and consult with peers and mentors, often despite poor workplace support. Suggestions for dissemination of information are made, and a model of evidence use in practice is proposed.