This study sought to identify lessons for social workers from the health care research on influencing practitioners to use evidence-based practices (EBP). Research reviews of strategies to influence providers to use EBP arere summarized. Among the findings are that printed educational materials, the use of local opinion leaders, and continuous quality improvement are weak interventions. Educational outreach visits and audit and feedback showed weak to moderate effects, whereas certain types of continuing education and use of computers showed moderate effects. Although much needs to be learned about providing social workers with the latest research knowledge, a combination of strategies is more likely to be effective.

Increased emphasis is being placed on improving outcomes for abused and neglected children served by the child welfare system. To achieve this goal, the notion of “best practice” is widely embraced. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on its definition. Various interpretations include (a) practice wisdom, (b) emulating other systems, (c) expert consultants, (d) professional guidelines, and (e) evidence-based practice. In this article, the authors describe the advantages and disadvantages of each of these definitions. While all of them have a role to play in improving results of child welfare interventions, the authors argue that best practice is optimally defined as evidence-based practice. At the same time, there are many difficulties in employing this form of best practice, including a lack of evidence, the transfer of information, and the organizational culture in which the worker operates. Suggested solutions to these difficulties are discussed.