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Social Work: Evidence-Based Practice

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EBP Model

This guide is designed to give you tips for finding evidence-based sources for your research.

Evidence based practice is an intersection of:

  • Expertise
  • Client values and experiences
  • The best researched evidence

Start to apply the EBP model:

  • Ask the right question
  • Acquire researched evidence
  • Appraise the quality of the evidence
  • Apply the evidence in conjunction with expertise and client values
  • Assess the effectiveness of the applied evidence
 Venn diagram of ebp model

Formulate a question about an client, community or issue using one of the following frameworks.

PICO

P I C O
Who is the Patient or what Problem? What is the Intervention to be studied? What is the intervention being Compared to? What is the Outcome?
Example question: Do adults with depression receiving cognitive behavior therapy without medication have fewer depressive episodes as compared to adults receiving medication and CBT?

PEO

P E O
Who is the Population or whatProblem? What is the Environment? What is the Outcome?
Example question: Do adolescence exposed to community violence have higher rates of depression?

Turn a question into search terms to use in a database or search engine.

Searching APA PsycINFO Finding Sources Through BC Libraries

Primary Research Sources Secondary Research Sources
Agencies Clearinghouses
Tools and Resources to Appraise Research
Basic Appraisal Questions
  1. Does the research answer a clear and focused question?
  2. Did the study use a valid method for the question?
  3. Are the results of the study valid and important?
  4. Do the valid results apply to the client or community currently being worked with?

The following types of studies below are ranked starting with the strongest evidence.

Tier 1: Evidence Synthesis

Meta-analyses or systematic reviews
Secondary research that uses a statistical or descriptive method for combining the data from most of the studies on the same topic to identify trends. Excellent at determining the strength of the evidence from observational and experimental research.
  • Meta-analysis: A statistical technique applied to similar data across studies in a systematic review to draw a general conclusion about all the analyzed data.
  • Systematic review: A comprehensive, structured approach to gather all the research answering a particular research question, critically evaluating and synthesizing the findings of all the studies included. Sometimes includes a meta-analysis.

Tier 2: Experimental Studies

Randomized controlled study
Tests an intervention with a randomized group of participants where one group receives the treatment and the control group does not. Effective at reducing uncertainty in the effects of the intervention.

Tier 3: Observational Studies

Cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, case control studies, case studies
Primary research usually conducted on a smaller sample of participants with limited controls. Good for establishing preliminary evidence and planning future advanced studies.
  • Cohort studies: Follows a population or sample with a specific condition over time.
  • Cross-sectional studies: Analyzes data of a population or sample at a single point in time.
  • Case control studies: Retrospective study on patients with a specific condition as compared to a population without the condition as a control.
  • Case studies: Study of a single or few patients with no control group.

Some guiding questions to ask before applying an approach.

Researched Evidence Expertise Client Values and Experiences
  • How alike is the population of the study to the client or community?
  • Can the studied approach be applied in the current setting?
  • Are the studied outcomes worth the risk or cost?
  • Is enough expertise available to apply the approach?
  • Is the research applicable to the client or community?
  • How can the client or community members be helped to make a decision?
  • What are the experiences of the client or community members with similar interventions?
  • What are the values of the client or community members?
Current EBP Guidelines

Monitor progress of the client or community using standardized measures. Identify an instrument related to the client or community and issue using resources in the Tests and Measures guide.

PsycTESTS

Evaluation Books

  • Kniffley S. D. (2023). Designing and implementing effective evaluations: Comprehensive case studies in program evaluation. Routledge.
  • Grinnell R. M. (2018). Social work research and evaluation: Foundations of evidence-based practice. Oxford University Press.
  • Nesoff, I. (2022). Human service program planning through a social justice lens. Routledge.