Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you should

  • know the contemporary definition of evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-informed (EI) practice,
  • understand the major components of EBP and how they are interrelated,
  • describe the challenges associated with using the EBP framework and the emerging EI practice perspective,
  • recognize the role of critical and reflective thinking in practice,
  • apply a collaborative decision-making approach in your work with clients/consumers and families, and
  • understand the move to EI practice to expand the evidence we use to inform our work. This evidence may come from emerging promising practices for work with diverse populations and wider forms of data collected systematically through case studies, quality improvement efforts, and consumer-focused feedback.
The Council on Social Work Education Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (CSWE-EPAS) Competencies that are highlighted in more depth in this chapter include the following:
 
2.1.3 Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
2.1.4 Engage diversity and difference in practice.
2.1.6 Engage in research-informed and practice-informed research.