Respond to at least two colleagues by: (Please use subheadings in response, use 2 APA references and be detailed in response)
- Noting the similarities and differences in the factors that would support or impede your colleague’s implementation of evidence-based practice as noted in his or her post to those that would impact your implementation of evidence-based practice as noted in your original post.
- Offer a solution for addressing one of the factors that would impede your colleague’s implementation of evidence-based practice.
Response to Betty
Evidence-based practice is an approach that is used in the social work field by clinicians or professionals to address the needs of individuals, families, groups, and organizations systemically. However, a social worker cannot assist a client or patient based on their knowledge or intuition. There must be an approach to addressing and helping the needs of people through a system that has been tested and approved to be effective by others in the profession. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) emphasis on the use of applied science and knowledge to help individuals, families, and groups to achieve a level of psychosocial function in every area of their lives (Thyer, 2010). As a result, scientific research in social welfare begun using information gathered from conference, journals, articles, chapters, and books to be reviewed by professionals and peers in the field of social work, psychology, sociology, and other interdisciplinary team who may impact the lives of people in the micro, mezzo, and macro level. Since the last century, three different perspectives that have helped ensure that people are receiving effective interventions and treatment was through empirical clinical practice (ECP), empirical supported treatments (EST), and evidence-based practice (EBP). (Thyer, 2010 pg. 4). Each perspective was based on a scientific research method with evidence that proved reliable, valid, and useful after over time.
A distinguishing characteristic of evidence-based practice (EBP) in recent times is that is has gone through rigorous experiments and proven beneficial to effect a change in the lives of families and groups in several settings or practices. According to Cooney, Huser & Small (2007), the practical approaches and strategies have been evaluated and subjected to critical peer and expert reviews and received standardized approval by organizations as well as federal agencies. So an evidence-based practice or program is one that shows expected positive results, the result is attributed to the program used, but not other events, the program has been peer-reviewed by experts in the field, and if has received endorsement by a federal agency or respected research organization (Cooney, 2007).
Some factors that can impede the implementation of evidence-based practices within a setting. Some of the factors that can hinder the method of using evidence-based programs are securing the funding source for the programs, and lack of commitment by the members in a given program. The financial issues of the organizations that are willing to fund the program is a crucial part of implementing a plan for a given population. If there is a budget cut after the program begins, it can affect the overall outcome for its proposed effectiveness. Another limitation is to ensure that all members that enroll in a program complete it on time. If the members receive just a portion of a program, they lose the opportunity to gain the effectiveness of the treatment.
References
Cooney, S. M., Huser, C. M., Small, S., & O’Connor, C. (2007). Evidence-based
programs: An overview. What Works, Wisconsin – Research to Practice Series,
(6), 1-8. Retrieved from:
Thyer, B. (2010). Introductory principles of social work research. In B. Thyer (Ed.), The
handbook of social work research methods (2nd ed., pp1-8). Thousand Oaks, CA:
SAGE. (PDF). Retrieved from:
Response to Erica
Top of Form
Evidence-based practice is a guideline that many social workers use in their practice because it supports their treatment recommendations. Once a thorough assessment is completed, “empirical literature is used to guide decision making” (Thyer, 2010, p. 6). This type of information provides detailed information about research has shown. Not only is it important to understand what the research states, but understanding the client’s specific situation, ethical standards, costs and resources should also be considered for the treatment plan.
Adopting evidence-based practice can have its challenges during different situations. When a case is very involved with many different factors, it may not directly fit the criteria for the supporting evidence. Some cases may not be clear cut and that could interfere with creating an appropriate treatment plan. Another challenge could be if there is no evidence-based practice information related to a specific scenario you are dealing with as a social worker. Evidence-based practice provides a guide for social workers when making decisions, but client preferences and values must still be considered (Thyer, 2010, p. 8). Social workers will still have to make tough decisions, but hopefully with the direction of evidence-based practice, the treatment plan can be created with more successful outcomes than without.
References
Thyer, B. (2010). Introductory principles of social work research. In B. Theyer (Ed.), The handbook of social work research methods (2nd ed, pp. 1-8). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. (PDF)