Newly Educated MSW Social Workers' Use of Evidence-Based Practice and Evidence-Supported Interventions: Results From an Online Survey. (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wike, Traci L.; Grady, Melissa; Massey, Michael; Bledsoe, Sarah E.; Bellamy, Jennifer L.; Stim, Hilary; Putzu, Caren
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work education. Volume 55:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 504
• Page End: 518
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Social work education -- Periodicals; Social work education -- United States -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1080/10437797.2019.1600444
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-7797

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Social work programs have increased evidence-based practice (EBP)-related curricular content; yet, it is unclear whether newer practitioners are successful in incorporating it into their practice. This study examines factors that influence the use of EBP among newly graduated social workers. We developed and implemented a Web-based survey that assessed individual, school, and agency factors that predict implementation of EBP among a sample of master's of social work practitioners post-graduation. Multiple regression analysis resulted in five factors that were significantly associated with use of EBP: confidence with EBP; feeling that EBP is essential to practice; organizational culture emphasizes EBP; field placement/internship emphasizes EBP; and faculty emphasizes EBP. Findings suggest that individual and organizational factors may be more important in determining use of EBP than educational program factors alone.