Attitudes toward and Utilization of Evidence-based Practice among Norwegian Social Workers

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study analyzes Norwegian social workers’ attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP).

Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 social workers and managers from social services and child welfare services.

Results: Social workers were positive about EBP, yet confused about it, rarely distinguishing between EBP, empirically supported treatments (ESTs), experience-based knowledge and research when describing the concept. Five barriers to conducting EBP were identified: (i) concerns regarding a negative impact on the relationship with the client, (ii) lack of time, (iii) a top-down implementation approach, (iv) restriction of social workers’ autonomous decision-making, (v) EBP research models not always suiting the client’s/family’s need. Two benefits for practicing EBP were identified: (i) utilization of research in practice, (ii) utilization of general guidelines in decision-making processes.

Discussion: The empirical material demonstrated that the social workers valued multiple types of knowledge when making informed decisions. The most prominent were practical and theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion: The findings confirm recent studies, but also suggest a need for future research to bridge gaps in knowledge transfer.

KEYWORDS:

• Evidence-based practice
• social work
• neo-liberalism
• knowledge-utilization
• Norway

Acknowledgements

I would like to express appreciation to Professor Ira Malmberg-Heimonen and Associate Professor Dag Jenssen for providing insight and expertise that assisted the research.