Training Outcomes of Field Instructors in the Evidence-Based Practice Process Model

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated a continuing education training program designed to increase field educators’ capacities to support students in their application of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process. A cohort of social work field instructors and task supervisors from agency-based settings (N = 186) attended a 1-day interactive skill-based training. Pre- and postsurveys assessed learning outcomes. Findings reveal a significant improvement from pre- to posttraining in the social work educators’ familiarity, t(179) = 22.8; attitude, t(180) = 12.73; and intentions, t(178) = 11.89, regarding EBP. Results indicate that skill-based training in the EBP process model via continuing education is feasible and acceptable.

KEYWORDS:

• Evaluation
• evidence-based practice
• field instructors
• in-service training
• social work

Acknowledgments

We thank Brian Chau, BS, Dawn Jordan, MSW, Christina Lindstrom, MSW, and Heather Marshall, MSW, for their assistance in developing training materials and assisting with data collection, and the Brown School’s Office of Field Education, Cynthia Williams, MSW, Diane Beckerle-O’Brien, MSW, Chandra Bailey-Todd, and Stacey Spruiel, and Professional Development Program’s Terri Behr, Janet Gillow, and Mark Glenshaw for their support and assistance in the conduct of this training.