Evidence-Based Practice Process in Social Work Critical Thinking for Clinical Practice

Graduate students in social work are dedicated to gaining the skills and knowledge to promote individual, family, and community well-being. Yet, students often struggle with translating research concepts into best practice. They must garner the skills to consider 1) client needs and preferences, 2) the best available evidence, and 3) the implementation context. Evidence-Based Practice Process in Social Work: Critical Thinking for Clinical Practice offers a framework for aligning these three essential ingredients of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process. The book is divided into three major sections, with Section 1 consisting of the first three chapters that include a brief overview of the EBP process (Chapter 1), methods on how to conduct assessments and to rely on assessment data to formulate practice driven questions (Chapter 2) and locate culturally relevant studies to address them (Chapter 3). Section 2 covers Chapters 4-6, focusing on the other types of research designs that may help inform what interventions to implement. Section 3 focuses on what factors may impact implementation of the intervention plan, and under what circumstances it may need to be adapted. Chapter 10 focuses on the different methods to monitor client progress. Finally, a review of key concepts and additional complex case studies to reflect upon are included in Chapter 11. Acknowledging the complexity of context in the EBP process, each chapter operationalizes the EBP process with instructions, case studies, and exercises to enhance student understanding.

Antonio R. Garcia, PhD, MSW, is an Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, and Faculty Associate of the Center on Trauma and Children in the UK College of Medicine. Having broad inter-disciplinary training in Psychology, Social Work, and Services Research in inter-professional contexts, he is committed to using research evidence to effectively engage Black, Indigenous, Latino and other People of Color (BILPOC) in culturally relevant, evidence-informed services and programs. Jacqueline Corcoran, Ph.D., LCSW, is Professor and Faculty Director Doctorate in Clinical Social Work, School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, where she teaches clinical practice and research. She has written 18 textbooks for the field, and over 100 journal articles and book chapters. Her areas are research synthesis on mental health treatment, evidence-based practice in social work, and strengths-based models.