MANAGED CARE AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE: THE UNTOLD STORY

Abstract

For many years, social workers have tried to establish their profession as one based on scientific principles. Following the tradition of medicine, influential leaders in social work are challenging clinicians and researchers to develop and implement evidence-based practice (EBP) models. Although various authors have discussed cautions in social work's move toward EBP, 1 issue—the influence of managed care and a market-driven economy on EBP in health and mental health care—has received less discussion. The purpose of this article is to discuss the parallel development of managed care and EBP, the possible influences of managed care on EBP, and the difficult issues faced by social workers in acting in the best interest of clients in a managed-care environment.