Starting a dialogue on evidence-based practice
A recent workshop on evidence-based practice in social work has been a useful 'first step' in opening a dialogue on the issue, say organisers Christa Fouche and Neil Lunt.
The workshop, the first of two in a series on "Building Bridges Between Research and Practice" funded by the SPEaR Linkages programme, discussed models of good practice research and encouraged professionals to form networks and get beyond the silo approach.
Christa and Neil, of the School of Social and Cultural Studies at Massey University Albany, say the day provided opportunities for networking, and helped identify barriers to the effective use of research in practice, and identified some potential research agendas.
A number of people from various social service agencies attended the workshop, which included addresses from Neil, Professor Robyn Munford and Deborah Yates, followed by small-group discussions. Neil says several themes emerged. "One common theme was the value placed on evidence-based activity. Many of the participants said how important it was for New Zealand practice to increase its focus on evidence. This was balanced by the view that the research evidence that is produced should be client-driven, collaborative, and ethical in the way it collects data about clients and agencies."
The participants felt it was important to continue to discuss what counted as robust evidence in the New Zealand context, and that the focus should be on New Zealand rather than looking overseas for responses.
The workshop identified several factors that would help develop a research culture. These included encouraging a curiosity about research, ensuring practitioners had enough 'time out' to consider and use research resources, finding ways to publicise good practice activities, and using existing administrative data and existing research to better effect.
"A number of practical suggestions were made. These included developing research-focused networks, getting academic institutions to act as 'brokers' and setting up better links between research and potential users of that research, and possibly using a website for discussion of evidence-based issues," Christa says.
Barriers discussed included the lack of time and money on the one hand, and managerial ambivalence and organisational resistance on the other.
"One strong message that came through was the importance of 'communication, culture, consultation and collaboration' in integrating evidence-based activities within practice. Participants felt the workshop was a useful first step in highlighting the issues. The challenge is to continue the dialogue and to start working collaboratively on strategies to solve the problems," Christa says.
For more information: C.B.Fouche@massey.ac.nz.
