Review
'This excellent book provides an incredibly useful introduction to and overview of key debates about evidence based and evidence informed practice in social work and numerous insights into the application of evidence to different areas of practice. It manages to critically analyse key concepts and research knowledge while remaining accessible and deeply relevant to practice and is a key text for students, practitioners, academics and policy makers.' - Harry Ferguson, Professor of Social Work, University of Nottingham, UK 'This new volume is a mature and sophisticated application of the model of evidence-based practice (EBP) to the field of social work. It provides a balanced, nuanced and constructive presentation of EBP and how it may be helpful to students and practitioners in a wide array of service arenas. It is most highly recommended.' - Bruce A. Thyer, Ph.D., LCSW, Professor and Former Dean, College of Social Work, Florida State University, USA 'It is imperative that social workers practice is evidence based and in turn informs evidence. Martin Webber's book is an important and valuable contribution to improving the quality and standards of practice and most importantly ensuring that social workers practice contributes to achieving the best outcomes for the people we serve.' - Lyn Romeo, Chief Social Worker for Adults, England, in the Department of Health
From the Back Cover
Good social work practice draws upon relevant and current research to ensure that interventions are as effective as possible. As a result of this, social workers are increasingly required to demonstrate their knowledge of the research and evidence that underpin the daily decisions they make and actions they take. It is therefore vital that they are not only up to date with the latest research, but that they have the tools and understanding to successfully apply this to their practice.
Written by leading experts in the field, this book provides a step-by-step guide to implementing research in to every day social work practice:
• It explains how to locate and appraise research relevant to social work practice.
• It demonstrates how research can be applied to the day-to-day tasks of being a social worker, including assessments, decision-making and interventions.
• It includes handy tips and insights from an experienced practitioner, such as finding evidence, balancing a busy caseload and keeping an evidence log.
• It discusses how research can be applied in many different social work practice contexts.
• It is packed with engaging case scenarios and practice reflection boxes that bring the content to life and enhance readers' learning.
Applying Research Evidence in Social Work Practice equips students and practitioners with the essential knowledge and skills needed to become an evidence-informed practitioner.
About the Author
Martin Webber is Anniversary Reader in Social Work and Director of the International Centre for Mental Health Social Research at the University of York, UK