Evidence-based Social Work Practice Research Articles

The Hong Kong Shue Yan University Social Work Research Center—A Case Analysis

Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) Center for Social Work Research and Practice was established in 2015, aspiring to collaborate with industry partners to conduct research that enhance the industry's understanding of social issues and develop quality services for the community. HKSYU is a self-financing university without direct subsidies from the HKSAR Government to the Center. In the last couple of years, the Center has implemented 11 research and training projects, jointly organizing with local and overseas universities. Two of them adopted the interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with health and nursing disciplines. Using the extended case method, the Center was found to be aligned with the principles of evidence-based practice and research-mindedness in social work. Moreover, the Center normally adopted the “Translational form of collaboration,” coproducing research projects with industry partners. Upon reflection, the Center should maximize its involvement with social work practitioners to promote research-mindedness in the practice environment.

Enhancing Evidence-Based Practice in Rural Social Work: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to Identify Key Determinants.

This study explores the application and extent of utilization of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) among rural social workers, identifying key factors such as attitudes, social pressures, and perceived barriers that influence its use. Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework, this research involved a comprehensive survey targeting rural social workers. The survey assessed their attitudes toward EBP, the social pressures, and the barriers in implementing EBP. Data from 91 participants were analyzed using multiple regression to determine how these factors impact EBP utilization. The analysis indicated that while attitudes toward EBP did not significantly affect its use, perceived ease of use, social pressures, and practical barriers were significant predictors. Interestingly, the data showed that external factors like organizational support and resource availability played a larger role than personal attitudes in the adoption of EBP. The regression model successfully explained 39% of the variance in EBP usage among rural social workers. The findings underscore the importance of external over internal factors in the adoption of EBP within rural settings. The study suggests that improving access to EBP resources and enhancing organizational support could facilitate more effective use of EBP among rural social workers. Effective implementation of EBP in rural areas necessitates addressing both perceived and actual barriers. Developing strategies to enhance resource availability and organizational support is recommended to boost EBP adoption, ultimately aiming to improve service outcomes and client well-being.

THE EFFECT OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME ON THE RESILIENCE OF FEMALE ADOLESCENT RECIPIENTS IN JOHANNESBURG

The Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust (RFJM Trust) provides scholarships to deserving female secondary school learners in Johannesburg and offers a pilot multidisciplinary psychosocial support programme (MPSP) developed by a social worker to enhance their resilience and to facilitate the achievement of their potential. South African female adolescents are challenged daily by their social, economic, cultural, political and historical environments, which in combination threaten their development and functioning. Therefore, female adolescents require high levels of resilience to thrive. Through the pre-test/post-test measurement of the individual, relational and contextual protective resources of Grade 8 recipients of the RFJM Trust, a paired-samples t–test and correlation analysis determined that two aspects of the MPSP have moderate to large correlations with resilience. This quantitative, quasi-experimental, evaluative study will assist in improving the MPSP and contribute towards evidence-based practice in school social work. Keywords: evidence-based practice, female adolescents, resilience

Praksa zasnovana na dokazima u središtu paradigmatskog preokreta u socijalnom radu?

Evidence-based practice in social work elicits a broad spectrum of reactions which reflect the dynamics of modern and postmodern approaches, where the traditional emphasis on empirical methods and objectivity confronts the challenges of postmodern skepticism and relativism. Drawing on Thomas Kuhn's model of scientific development as a theoretical-analytical framework, this paper aims to analyze the debate between modern and postmodern approaches regarding evidence-based practice in social work. Using the methods of content analysis, comparative and narrative analysis, as well as synthesis, the paper focuses on the current debate as an expression of the crisis and conflict between these two paradigms, considering their fundamental ontological, epistemological, methodological, and axiological assumptions. The development of evidence-based practice through the succession of stages of normal science and crisis is presented, followed by the discussion of the main modernist and postmodernist arguments. This opens up the question of the implications of this conflict on the application and the further development of the evidence-based practice approach in social work. It is concluded that, despite the apparent irreconcilability of these approaches, their critical interaction, illuminated through Kuhn's ideas on scientific paradigms, plays a key role in the development of evidence-based practice.

Gregory Research Beliefs Scale: Psychometric properties and social work student survey results

ABSTRACT In the United States (US) there is an increasing numbers of social work students and social work practitioners represent the majority of mental health professionals. Consequently the role of evidence-based social work practice (EBSWP) in education becomes more important. Past research supported the psychometric properties of the Research Beliefs Scale (GRBS) with social work students. The purposes of the present study are two-fold. The first purpose is to evaluate the factor structure and internal consistency reliability of the GRBS in a distinct sample of US MSW and BSW students. The second purpose is to evaluate the extent to which the US MSW and BSW students believe that research has value for social work practice. Data collection consisted of face-to-face and online formats. Factorial validity was examined using a principal component analysis. Internal consistency reliability was measure via Cronbach’s alpha. The data provided empirical evidence for the one-factor GRBS model and demonstrated high internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of .95. The data cautiously showed support for US social work students’ beliefs in the value or research for social work practice. Applications of the RBS to social work education and future research are discussed.

‘Easy ride or born to be wild'? The travelling of evidence-based social work to Sweden

ABSTRACT The starting point of this article is an interest in understanding what happens when the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) travel between countries. Understanding knowledge as something constructed between actors who shape and trade ideas and experiences, the aim is to study how EBP has been received, interpreted and practised in Swedish social work in comparison to some of the other Nordic welfare states. This is done through a scoping study literature review of research on evidence-based practice (EBP) in Swedish social work within the Swedish welfare system. The review shows that two research units (CUS and IMS) at the public authority National Board of Health and Welfare have had significant influence on the travelling of EBP to Sweden. Further, the review shows that a guideline-model version of EBP has been given priority in the diffusion process. The results also show that the interest in EBP among managers has increased over the past few years, and that their attitude toward the concept is generally positive. At the same time Swedish social workers rarely make use of research in their work, seldom use evidence-based methods, and seems to be unsure of the meaning of the concept.

From the Ivory Tower to the Treatment Trenches: Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice.

The evidence-based practice (EBP) movement in social work has challenged the traditionally insular relationship between research and practice, demonstrating a critical need for more reciprocity. Despite a proclaimed commitment to EBP in social work, an implementation gap persists (Bellamy, Bledsoe, & Traube, 2006). This commentary identifies factors that have contributed to the gap between research and practice and proposes solutions to bridge this divide. EBP originated in the field of medicine and emphasizes the systematic use of research in the decision-making process of patient care (Sackett, Rosenberg, Gray, Haynes, & Richardson, 1996). EBP tasks researchers with conducting and synthesizing treatment research to develop best practices and clinicians with identifying and implementing appropriate EBPs and evaluating client response in a systematic manner. Clinicians can implement the EBP approach in a four-step process: (1) formulating a question, (2) appraising relevant literature, (3) applying data to the clinical context, and (4) evaluating outcome-based measures of the novel intervention (Edmond, Megivern, Williams, Rochman, & Howard, 2006).

Systematic Literature Searching in Social Work: A Practical Guide With Database Appraisal

Context:In response to the growth of evidence-based practice in social work, systematic literature reviews offer significant value to social work but are often met with concerns of time scarcity.Purpose:Through a case study search strategy addressing the research question “What are practicing frontline social workers’ experiences of bureaucracy?,” this article seeks to promote efficiency by providing a practical guide for conducting systematic literature searches and an appraisal of database performance in qualitative social work research.Method:The total citations, unique hits, sensitivity, and precision for each database were calculated before conducting a cross-study comparison with three previously published social work systematic searches to identify emerging performance trends.Results/Conclusion:Relying on a single database is subject to bias and will not provide comprehensive or sensitive findings; however, due to consistent high performance across four systematic searches, Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts, Social Services Abstracts, and Social Science Citation Index are recommended for future literature searching in social work.

Social Work Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Experimental Medicine Exploring Issues in the Xenotransplantation Context

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to discuss challenges to interdisciplinary evidence-based social work practice (EBP) within a context of xenotransplantation (XTx) using genetically modified animal organs, and the broader context of experimental medicine. Method This paper reviewed EBP terminology and discussed the meaning and function of evidence-based social work practice within an IDT in a XTx setting. Meta-analytic systematic reviews, and psychosocial surveys, were discussed to glean insights into ways in which IDTs can incorporate those research methodologies into EBP within an experimental medical (i.e., XTx) context. Several issues that arise while conducting psychosocial research in preparation for clinical trials were also discussed. Conclusions Social workers can assume leadership roles on IDT's within experimental medicine by using their group facilitation skills and training in EBP. An evidence-based pathway model for interdisciplinary care was proposed and briefly illustrated as a framework for collaboration among IDT members using EBP in XTx practice.

Evidence-based practice in social work: Who are the critics?

SummaryThe aim of this study is to analyse attitudes towards and the utilisation of evidence-based practice among social workers in Norway. The data were collected in 2014–2015 from social workers in four Norwegian counties. The sample consists of 2060 social workers registered as members of the Norwegian Union of Social Educators and Social Workers.FindingsThe main findings in this study indicate that social workers in child welfare are generally less critical of evidence-based practice than those within social welfare. Higher education and knowledge about evidence-based practice are seen as predictors for less critical attitudes towards the concept. The findings further suggest that social workers who use manuals and standardised procedures are less critical of evidence-based practice.ApplicationsUnderstanding social workers’ attitudes towards evidence-based practice is important in order to facilitate the best possible practices. This study emphasises the importance of increasing knowledge of evidence-based practice in the social sector, and the need to further investigate how research methods and evidence-based practice concepts are translated into practice.

A Review of Treatment Decision-Making Models and Factors in Mental Health Practice

Treatment decision making has been influenced by the evidence-based practice movement, which encourages practitioners to make decisions based upon current research evidence, practice wisdom and ethics, and client values or preferences. This article offers a review of the treatment decision-making literature to identify decision-making drivers based on characteristics of the therapist and client. The narrative review includes surveys, case studies, and naturalistic studies of factors and processes involved in treatment decision making for mental health treatment. Naturalistic studies of decision-making factors reveal client problem formulation and motivation have a significant impact on treatment decision making. Implications for the conceptualization of evidence-based practice in social work and future directions for research in decision making are discussed.

Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Feasibility: Exploring Social Work Students’ Perceptions of Evidence-Based Practice

ABSTRACT Purpose The literature on evidence-based practice (EBP) in social work indicates a complex relationship between practitioners’ attitudes, views on feasibility, and self-efficacy related to EBP implementation. Method Qualitative interviews and a self-report questionnaire were completed with 8 social work students. A conceptual framework of their perceptions was developed through thematic analysis. Results Participants reported mixed EBP attitudes, as both a practice “ideal”, but also oppressive, rigid, and dehumanizing. Low confidence regarding research skills affected participants’ self-efficacy. Resource constraints impacted feasibility through organizational culture and available practice-relevant research. Discussion EBP misconceptions critically impacted educational practices, organizational culture, and practitioners’ attitudes. Comprehensive education mindful of professional identity may address misconceptions and enhance self-efficacy. EBP-enabling organizational change and practice-relevant research may alleviate resource constraints. Conclusion Research should expand on how EBP attitudes and social work identity intersect, the impact of research skills on self-efficacy, and EBP barriers and facilitators in education and organizations.

How to Teach Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work: A Systematic Review

Purpose: This article presents a systematic review of research regarding how best to educate social work students and practitioners concerning of the process of evidence-based practice and/or the application of empirically supported treatments (ESTs). Method: We conducted a systematic review with a narrative synthesis, largely following the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews for Interventions and PRISMA reporting guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: Twenty-seven studies met our eligibility criteria. These consisted mostly of uncontrolled designs and their measures relied mainly on learners’ self-perception regarding acquisition of declarative and procedural knowledge, motivation, and satisfaction. Reports were mostly positive (88.7%). Conclusions: Research regarding the education of social work students and practitioners about the process of evidence-based practice as well as ESTs is limited. Further investigation is needed concerning the effectiveness of specific teaching methods using controlled designs and more rigorous outcome measures including observation of practice in real-life situations and/or in role-plays.

Attitudes to Evidence-Based Practice among Social Work Practitioners in South Africa

The implementation of evidence-based social work practice is an international priority. Attitudes to evidence-based practice are instrumental in its dissemination and active implementation. This paper, the first of its kind, explores the nature and correlates of attitudes to evidence-based practice among social work practitioners in South Africa, based on a descriptive statistical analysis of data from a small online survey. In terms of results, the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale suggests that respondents’ attitudes to evidence-based practice are generally positive. One exception is the requirements sub-scale, where performance indicates some resistance to a regulatory or authoritarian approach to the implementation of evidence-based social work practice. Furthermore, the limited evidence presented here shows that more experienced social work practitioners are less inclined to adopt prescribed evidence-based practice. Moreover, they find such practice less appealing, and are less open to implementing new structured and manualised interventions. With regard to recommendations, it is proposed that training in evidence-based practice be incorporated into continuous professional development programmes for social work practitioners. In addition, studies of this nature should be replicated on a more comprehensive and representative scale in South Africa and other developing countries.

Exploring How Practicing Social Workers Define Evidence-Based Practice

This research note presents findings from a study that sought to garner a better understanding of the way in which practicing social workers defined Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). As part of a larger quantitative study, 137 social work practitioners provided a definition for EBP through an online survey and indicated the extent to which they: consider themselves an evidence-based practitioner; believe practitioners should apply EBP in social work; and were prepared through their social work education to use EBP. Content analysis of the practitioners’ definitions of EBP revealed that the majority of respondents described EBP as an intervention or a product versus a process. Regardless of the definition that was provided, descriptive statistics revealed practitioners reported on average that they identified somewhat as an evidence-based practitioner, believed that practitioners should apply EBP in practice moderately to always, and felt only moderately prepared by their social work education for EBP. The findings suggest an opportunity in social work education may exist to further reinforce the process of EBP to delineate it from the evidence-based interventions that may also be taught, especially in clinical programs. Dissemination may also need to occur through mandated continuing education hours, much like ethics has been added as a requirement in some states.

Evidence-based practice in social work: perceptions and attitudes among Norwegian social workers

ABSTRACTAlthough the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) eludes precise definition, it is used as a trademark label to ensure that practice is based on science and thereby effective and of high quality. Proponents of EBP have proposed that both education and practice in social work should be transformed according to the principle of EBP. They attribute critical opposition to EBP to a lack of knowledge of what EBP is. In this article, we endeavour to clarify the concept and present results from a survey among social workers (N = 2060) from Norway. The survey results show that although many have heard of the concept, few have precise knowledge about it. However, the more educated social workers are (master’s level), the clearer their opinions, both critical and non-critical. The results are discussed in relation to neo-liberal governance and development of social work.

Evidence-based practice in Chinese social work: overcoming language and developmental barriers

ABSTRACTThis scoping review followed Cochrane guidelines to comprehensively assess the use and understanding of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in Chinese social science literature. We conducted a research across three electronic databases and three major social science journals for the studies published between 2004 and 2016. Chinese social work literature demonstrates a precise understanding of EBP defined as a process, but it lacks comprehensive discussions about EBP that extend beyond basic principles and process definitions. We identified language barriers and developmental issues for social work in China that contribute to these incomplete discussions. We examined the importance of broadening and enriching the discussions around EBP, especially for Chinese educators, researchers, and clinicians involved with empirically supported treatments. We also consider the implications of our findings for the development of social work in China.

Evaluating a Teaching Module on Ethically Responsible Evidence-Based Practice Decision Making in an Advanced Micro Practice Course

ABSTRACTThis article adds to the growing body of literature on the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in social work. Specifically, it examines a 9-hour EBP educational model designed to prepare MSW students for appropriate decision-making strategies in working with multicultural client populations. The model places emphasis on identification and application of critical thinking skills for micro- and mezzo-level practice in urban social work systems. It moves beyond traditional research approaches and emphasizes community-based and emic approaches for generating evidence appropriate for ethnic minority populations. Students’ written assignments (N = 80) demonstrated the model’s pedagogical value as a learning strategy for applying EBP. Students’ evaluations demonstrated the model’s value in sensitizing students to the importance of becoming ethically responsible research consumers.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Simplified Chinese Version of Flourishing Scale

Objectives: The Flourishing Scale (FS) was developed to measure psychological well-being from the eudaimonic perspective, highlighting the flourishing of human functioning. This article evaluated the psychometric characteristics of the simplified Chinese version of FS among a Chinese community population. Method: A total of 433 participants from 17 different communities in southwest China completed a questionnaire package that included FS, Chinese Virtues Questionnaire, and Brief Symptom Inventory-18. Results: The results demonstrated excellent internal consistency, solid one-factor structure, strong convergent and discriminant validity, and incremental validity. Flourishing was found to play a mediating role in the relationship between total virtue and psychological distress. Conclusions: FS was proved to be appropriate for use in assessing psychological well-being among a Chinese community population, which may be recognized as a promising tool to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for evidence-based social work practice.

A Critical Assessment of Evidence-Based Policy and Practice in Social Work

In this article the authors consider how effective social work has been in terms of evidence-based policies and practice. They consider the role that “evidence” plays in policy making both in the wider context and, in particular, in relation to social work. The authors argue that there are numerous voices in the policy-making process and evidence only plays a minor role in terms of policy development and practice in social work.