Research Evidence and Social Work Practice: The Place of Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract

This article will examine what evidence-based practice (EBP) is and is not. EBP will be defined and distinguished from other different, but related, terms and concepts. The steps of EBP as a practice decision-making process will be detailed and illustrated. The kinds of evidence EBP values and devalues will be discussed in several contexts. The administrative uses of EBP and its larger societal context will also be examined. A family therapy based example of doing EBP in clinical practice will show how it can be a real benefit to practice, but also points out some of its challenges and limitations.