Suchergebnisse

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.

With increased pressure on programs to evaluate outcomes, the issue of evaluation in social work has never been so topical. In response to these pressures, there has been a growing interest in evidence-based practice and strategies for the evaluation of social work programs. The American Evaluation Association (AEA) is an international professional association devoted to the application and exploration of evaluation in all its forms. With members around the globe and across all professions, the AEA is a source of vibrant discussion, information, resources, and policy analysis. The Social Work Topical Interest Group of the AEA is focused on the particular experiences, needs, and pressures of evaluation in our profession, and is dedicated to helping develop solid practices, and promoting the overall contribution of social work to program evaluation, providing a forum for scholarship, networking, and methodological support that is specific to our profession.