Using Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work Denise Bronson, MSW, Ph.D. The Ohio State University College of Social Work Bronson.6@osu.edu
Goals for today s webinar What is Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)? What are the implications for Social Work practice? Where do you find resources to support EBP? How do you adopt EBP in your social work practice?
Practice Problem (What To Do?) Young parents needing parent training: Inconsistent Overly punitive Little knowledge about child development Ineffective discipline Motivated to make changes Consult colleagues, read professional literature, attend workshops, think about previous cases for guidance.
Clinical state and circumstances Clinical Expertise Client Preferences and actions Current Best Evidence Haynes, Devereaux, and Guyatt (2002)
Even after collecting all the information you may not be any further ahead in knowing what is likely to be the most effective intervention for your clients
Current Best Evidence Comprehensive summary of all the available research Objective and unbiased Transparent Quality of the available research is assessed Summary is periodically updated to provide most current information
Systematic Reviews Comprehensive, unbiased & transparent review of the research literature Use methods that can be critiqued, replicated & updated Appraise the quality and credibility Synthesize the available research (usually a metaanalysis) Identify best practices Disseminate the review for use in practice & policy
Where to Find Systematic Reviews Campbell Collaboration Library http://campbellcollaboration.org/ Cochrane Collaboration Library http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/view/0/index.h tml Google Scholar http://scholar.google.com/
Systematic Reviews on Parent Training Interventions 1. Search for: Parent* 2. Eleven systematic reviews found Behavioural and Cognitive-Behavioural Group-Based Parenting Programmes for Early-Onset Conduct Problems in Children Aged 3 to 12 Years Authors: Mairead Furlong, Sinead McGilloway, Tracey Bywater, Judy Hutchings, Michael Donnelly, Susan Smith, Ciaran O'Neill Published: 01.09.2012
Behavioural and Cognitive-Behavioural Group-Based Parenting Programmes for Early- Onset Conduct Problems in Children Aged 3 to 12 Years 1. Searched 18 research mega-databases, 3 training websites, & reference lists 2. Selected articles that: Used randomized control trials or quasirandomized trials of group-based behavioral or cognitive behavioral group parent training for those with children 3-12 years old Had a comparison group Used at least one standardized outcome measure 3. Found 13 studies (RCTs or Quasi-RCT) 4. Synthesis of studies show: Changes in child conduct problems Improved parental mental health Reduction in harsh or negative parenting Interventions were cost-effective
Components of a Systematic Review Plain Language Summary Detailed description on how relevant research was found, evaluated and synthesized Description or flowchart of Synthesis of results (meta-analyses) presented as effect sizes on forest plots Conflict of interest statement and discussion of any potential biases in the review process
Putting It All Together Current Best Evident Clinical State & Circumstances Is it a good fit for the clients? Client Preferences & Actions Will the parents go? Are they willing to be part of a group?
Challenges to Evidence-Based Social Work Best current evidence may not be very strong or there is no systematic review available Participants in research studies may not have same characteristics as your clients Lots of reviews claim to be systematic; need to be a critical consumer Misperceptions of EBP persist in social work literature
Becoming An Evidence-Based Practitioner Make a commitment to seek out the best current evidence Question those who claim that an intervention is evidencebased Become more knowledgeable about EBP in social work practice & share with colleagues
Thank you for participating Can send list of books and articles for those who wish to pursue this further Questions?