SOWK 546: The Science of Social Work: Evidence-based Practice Resources

Research guide for students in the course SOWK 546. Introduction to the role of scientific inquiry in advancing social work goals.

What are EBPs?

Evidence-Based Practice refers to the process where the practitioner combines well researched interventions with clinical experience and ethics, client preferences and culture to guide and inform the delivery of treatments and services (Social Work Policy Institute).

Hierarchy of Social Work Evidence

Synthesis/Summative: Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews

Systematic reviews usually focus on a specific clinical question and conduct an extensive literature search to identify studies with sound methodology. The studies are reviewed, assessed, and the results summarized according to the predetermined criteria of the review question.

Use the databases below to find systematic reviews of evidence for treating a condition, or for intervening in a population.

Synthesis/Summative: Clinical Guidelines/Best Practices

The databases below provide reports and information about the most effective programs, interventions and therapeutic methods for different variables or populations. Use these databases to find evidence-based interventions.

Program Databases

Use the following databases and search engines to find example programs. These are programs that have been developed by clinicians and practitioners, and have enough evidence supporting their efficacy to be considered evidence-based. Use these tools when you need to find examples of programs.

KEEP IN MIND: You might have to find a program that uses a framework or method that has shown to be effective (like CBT or family therapy) but that doesn't target your population or clinical problem exactly. Oftentimes these programs are meant to treat a variety of disorders or clients using a particular method or framework.

Books on Evidence-based Practice