A Technology Enhanced EBP Model

Abstract

Evidence-based practices (EBP) is one of the more recent decision improvement processes that has captured the attention of many state governments and human service organizations at this time of critical service need. This article argues that EBP has indeed improved on the theoretical-based approaches of the past, but that there is a critical need to advance evidence collection and evaluation processes from the level of practitioner and supervisor to the level of the organization. The article presents an enhanced, technology-based EBP model and suggests its applicability to large human service environments. The model involves changing EBP's focus from an individual practitioner searching down relevant research for each case to an organization with tools that make data readily available so that workers can monitor their performance on well-researched, outcome-based, practice standards. The EBP model is illustrated by an interactive decision support system that was developed and tested in a statewide agency. This graphically-based decision support system allows staff to view how well they, their colleagues, and the agency meet federal standards on numerous indicators. By performing tasks that are metaphorically described as “drilling down” and “slicing and dicing” through agency data, staff can distill best practices that improve their performance. These best practices can be shared system-wide and can challenge and help refine the standards. The article concludes with implications of the enhanced EBP model for service delivery organizations. This enhanced EBP model is applicable to agencies struggling to use EBP concepts to get better performance with limited resources.

Key Words:

• Evidence-based practice
• child welfare data use
• performance indicators
• data visualization
• decision support system