Evidence-based Social Work Practice

Abstract

This entry identifies evidence-based practice (EBP) resources with specific reference to social work’s adaptation of evidence-based practice. Whereas the identified references are focused on social work applications, relevant ones dealing with evidence-based medicine (EBM) and evidence-based practice in other health professions (EBP or EBH) are listed. Evidence-based social work practice (EBSWP) may be defined as a professional decision-making process in which social workers and their clients systematically make intervention choices using practitioner expertise to identify (1) client conditions, needs, circumstances, preferences, and values; (2) best evidence about intervention options, including potential risk and benefit likelihoods; and (3) contextual resources and constraints bearing on intervention options. Intervention choices refer to action options about how to assess client conditions and circumstances, how to provide services, and how to evaluate the process and outcomes of services. Clients can be individuals, families, groups, communities, or large populations. Best evidence includes findings from scientific studies as well as from other reliable sources considered to be of highest quality, strength, and relevance.

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