Evidence‐Based Practice and the Purpose of Clinical Social Work

Abstract

The problematic that oriented this study is the response of clinical social workers to the state mandate to use evidence‐based practice (EBP) for Medicaid‐supported clients. The portion of the study that is explored in this article answers the research question, how does the mandate affect the provision of services? Data was collected from three clinical social workers who were identified as “successful” by their peers. The data was analyzed by means of thematic analysis, and evaluations of research methods were conducted. The data demonstrate the way in which the mandate to use EBP excludes many clients from receiving potentially helpful services.

Keywords:

• evidence‐based practice
• policy and practice
• clinical social work practice

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This research was funded by a grant from the College of Human Ecology at East Carolina University.

Notes

1. The individual who imparted this information was acting in the capacity of an official representative of the state's mental health division. His/her name is withheld for the confidentiality of the participants.