SAGE Journal Articles

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Article 1          Thyer, B. A., & Myers, L. L. (2011). The quest for evidence-based based practice: A view from the United States. Journal of Social Work, 11(1), 8-25.   doi: 10.1177/1468017310381812 
 
Abstract
This article describes how reliance upon social and behavioral science research is the feature distinguishing modern professional social work from prior non-professional efforts at providing social care. A number of formal efforts that attempted to more closely link science and practice are described, including the empirical clinical practice movement, the empirically supported treatments initiative, and, most recently, evidence-based practice (EBP) … is correctly seen as a process of inquiry intended to help practitioners and their clients make important decisions about the services the clients receive. At best, interventions or techniques may be labeled as empirically supported or research-supported. The current status of EBP within American social work is seen as healthy and growing, although misconceptions regarding this process are common.
 
Questions to consider:
  1. Describe the historical trajectory of social work research and science from the last century to present. Has there been a shift in valuing research and empirical evidence in practice? How, so?
  2. How has the empirical clinical practice movement influenced social work practice today? Which other movements or institutions demonstrate effective practice interventions? Provide an example of SAMHSA or NICE.
  3. Summarize the process that guides EBP for decision-making and application. Is the patient/client a part of this process? Do the direct practitioner's values and ethics impact the process?
  4. What EBP steps must be taken to qualify as a systematic review? Why would a social worker want to submit her/his research through the Cochrane or Campbell Collaborations? 
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Article 2          Barth, R. P., Lee, B. R., Lindsey, M. A., Collins, K. S., Strieder, F., Chorpita, B.  F., Becker, K. D. & Sparks, J. A. (2012). Evidence-based practice at a crossroads: The timely emergence of common elements and common factors. Research on Social Work Practice, 22(1), 108-119.
 
Abstract         
Social work is increasingly embracing evidence-based practice (EBP) as a -making process that incorporates the best available evidence about effective treatments given client values and preferences, in addition to social worker expertise. Yet, social work practitioners have typically encountered challenges with the application of manualized evidence-supported treatments. For social work, the path to implementing the delivery of science-informed practice remains at a crossroads. This article describes two emergent strategies that offer a plausible means by which many social workers can integrate an EBP model into their service delivery- common factors and common elements. Each strategy will be presented, and related evidence provided. Tools to implement a common elements approach and to incorporate client feedback consistent with a common factors perspective will also be described. These strategies will be placed in the broader context of the EBP framework to suggest possible advances in social work practice and research.
 
Questions to Consider:
  1. What is the current critique of employing "manualized" treatments in practice? Is fidelity an issue for implementing EBP?
  2. Are EBP models aligned with culturally competencies? Why or why not?
  3. How can a common elements framework support the social worker in making EBP decisions to benefit a client?