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The Steps of Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Practice: An Overview

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Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work

Part of the book series: Essential Clinical Social Work Series ((ECSWS))

Abstract

The EBP practice decision-making process is implemented in six steps. This chapter outlines each of these six steps and their purposes. Following a thorough assessment, Step 1 is to identify practice information needs based on the assessment, Step 2 is to efficiently locate relevant information, Step 3 is to evaluate its quality and relevance to the specific client, Step 4 is to actively and collaboratively discuss the best available research results with the client, Step 5 is to collaboratively finalize a treatment plan, and Step 6 is to implement the treatment. The PICOT model, another model to conceptualize the clinician’s role in EBP, is also explicated. The hierarchy of research evidenced, drawn from evidence-based medicine, is introduced. The different logic and methods of EBP and of practice evaluation are examined. Resources for locating practice research are introduced. A clinical case example of the EBP process is provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School for Social Work, Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA

    James W. Drisko

  2. School of Social Service, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA

    Melissa D. Grady

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  1. James W. Drisko
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  2. Melissa D. Grady
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Drisko, J.W., Grady, M.D. (2019). The Steps of Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Practice: An Overview. In: Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work. Essential Clinical Social Work Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15224-6_3

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