Evidence Based Social Work

Evidence-based practice (EBP) promises to have a profound impact on social work practice, education, and scholarship, but adopting EBP depends on the availability and accessibility of evidence and on strategies to synthesize this information. Systematic reviews provide a comprehensive,unbiased method for retrieving and synthesizing relevant research. This pocket guide is a concise introduction that describes the steps required to complete a systematic review and the criteria that can be used to assess the quality of existing reviews.The authors provide straightforward information on how to define a search question that captures the problem's parameters, develop a search strategy that is transparent and comprehensive, assess the quality and credibility of existing research, and summarize the available research to support EBP insocial work. Providing coverage for both quantitative and qualitative synthesis methods, examples illustrate the steps and decisions associated with each approach to research synthesis. Key points and suggested readings and websites provide avenues for further study. This pocket guide is anexcellent introduction to EBP and systematic reviews that will be valued by social work students, practitioners, and scholars.

"The authors have taken pains to make the subject accessible and the result is a terrific book for newcomers to evidence-based practice, as well as old hands. One of the more ground breaking aspects is that they deal with all imaginable types of evidence available today in healthcare. The authors help the reader understand the merits of each type and how it can be used. This is an invaluable book." Irene Mabbott, Practice Development Co-ordinator, Evidence-Based Practice, Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust "At last, a jargon free Evidence Based Practice Book! This book gives the impression that it is a friendly tutor always on standby to answer any of your questions. It is written well, in a personable style to allow the reader to take in all the concepts of Evidence Based Practice. The book is up to date and recognises that not all areas of health and social care have the privilege of being supported by huge pieces of research and RCT's. In these cases, advice and guidance is readily at hand in the book to show the reader what other evidence can be out there and how to use it." Irene Mabbott, Practice Development Co-ordinator (Evidence based Practice), Northern General Hospital, Sheffield "I love this book. It's ideal for students new to research and qualified professionals needing an update. I wish it had been around when I was a student as it would have made searching for, critiquing and reviewing literature a much smoother process. I think this book should be on every university reading list. It is set out in an easy to follow format with lots of examples relating to practice which allows the reader to understand the importance research from the first page." Lynda Luke, Registered Nurse and Moderator on www.studentnurse.org.uk "The book provides a basic introduction to Evidence Based Practice and many related issues. A spectrum of information from 'what is evidence' to 'how to implement evidence' has been included in an easy to navigate contents page. Some clinical experience is necessary to understand the links to clinical practice their importance and implications. Some useful website addresses are provided in order to increase and widen access to other necessary resources." Nicola Olleveant, The University of Manchester, UK Have you heard of 'evidence based practice' but don't know what it means? Are you having trouble relating evidence to your practice? This is the book for anyone who has ever wondered what evidence based practice is or how to relate it to practice. This accessible book presents the topic in a simple, easy to understand way, enabling those unfamiliar with evidence based practice to apply the concept to their practice and learning. Using everyday language, this book provides a step by step guide to what we mean by evidence based practice and how to apply it. It also: Provides an easy to follow guide to searching for evidence Explains how to work out if the evidence is relevant or not Explores how evidence can be applied in the practice setting Outlines how evidence can be incorporated into your academic writing A Beginner's Guide to Evidence Based Practice in Health and Social Care is key reading for everyone involved in looking at and applying evidence – students, practice educators, mentors and practising health and social care professionals.

Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work introduces the key ideas of evidence-based clinical social work practice and their thoughtful application. It intends to inform practitioners and to address the challenges and needs faced in real world practice. This book lays out the many strengths of the EBP model, but also offers perspectives on its limitations and challenges. An appreciative but critical perspective is offered throughout. Practical issues (agency supports, access to research resources, help in appraising research) are addressed - and some practical solutions offered. Ethical issues in assessment/diagnosis, working with diverse families to make treatment decisions, and delivering complex treatments requiring specific skill sets are also included.

Social workers play a crucial part in contemporary society by ensuring that individuals are able to address, overcome, and manage obstacles in their daily lives. In an effort to better serve their clients, many practitioners have turned to evidence-based practice. Evidence Discovery and Assessment in Social Work Practice provides practitioners with the tools necessary to locate, analyze, and apply the latest empirical research findings in the field to their individual practice. This premier reference work provides insights and support to professionals and researchers working in the fields of social work, counseling, psychotherapy, case management, and psychology.

Over thirty years of input from instructors and students have gone into this popular research methods text, resulting in a refined ninth edition that is easier to read, understand, and apply than ever before. Using unintimidating language and real-world examples, it introduces students to thekey concepts of evidence-based practice that they will use throughout their professional careers. It emphasizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research, data collection methods, and data analysis, providing students with the tools they need to become evidence-basedpractitioners.

Thomas O'Hare strikes a pragmatic balance between flexibility and adherence to empirical guidelines in performing routine assessments, interventions, and evaluations. The purpose of this book is to address the need for a framework guided by the best evidence to help practitioners who work with clients with difficult and complex psychosocial issues.