Hey! Have you ever heard the concept of “evidence-based practice”? It seems to be very popular these days.

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Thank you for the information.

The phrase refers to the intersection between (1) current empirical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of an intervention, (2) the values and expectations of clients who receive the interventions, and (3) the clinical expertise of the practitioner who provides the intervention. When evidence is weak or absent, the values and expectations of clients who receive the interventions and the expertise of the practitioner who provides the intervention are dominant aspects of practice. On the other hand, when evidence is strong and compelling, the other two areas play a lesser role in practice. EBP relies on evidence from a planned, systematic and organized environment and requires practitioners to work regimented, systematically, and routinely. EBP utilizes statistical analysis of data collected from random controlled trials, single-case experimentation, double-blind cohort studies, and crossover designs. Other research methods, such as cultural studies, ethnography, discourse analysis, actor-network theory, semiotics, and psychoanalysis, are not utilized in EBP studies. Therefore, some social work practitioners may be dismayed that EBPs rely exclusively on quantitative data and statistical significance.

Moreover, practitioners may also be discouraged by what they perceive as "exible” practices. Practitioners can utilize their expertise and judgment when providing EBPs. However, clinical judgment should be based on professional judgment, not subjective judgments of EBP and research methodology.