Building Strong Clinicians: Education Strategies to Promote Interest and Readiness for Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract

The challenges of including evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based treatments (EBTs) in social work education continue to be discussed in the literature. As the behavioral health system moves toward greater practitioner accountability and expanded implementation of EBTs, it becomes increasingly important to prepare students for this type of practice. A successful provider-developed curriculum, designed to prepare students for extensive EBT job opportunities in Connecticut, was disseminated to local graduate schools through a faculty fellowship. This article discusses provider and faculty perspectives about course design elements that contributed to its effectiveness, as well as how the course was subsequently adapted to online learning for Master of Social Work (MSW) students, with evidence of positive impact on clinician development.

Teaching Evidence-Based Practice Using Cases in Social Work Education

“…Ideally, field placement supervisors and future employers of graduates will continue to model and utilize these EBP skills. Continued supervision focusing on the steps of the EBP process will enhance learning and confidence in doing EBP as professional SWs (Cannata & Marlowe, 2017; Staudt, 2007). In supervision, as in classroom teaching, continued practice and engagement in the steps of EBP can build expertise, confidence, and comfort in the process.…”

Assessing the Fidelity of an Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Group Intervention

“…Findings suggest the importance of adequately preparing clinicians to provide affirmative group therapy interventions. Clinician readiness is best addressed through the recruitment of qualified clinicians that have experience delivering EBPs in addition to knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community, comprehensive training and intensive supervision and coaching throughout intervention delivery ( Cannata & Marlowe, 2017 ). Clinicians who are best suited to facilitate AFFIRM have been extensively trained in the model, are proficient in group therapy and CBT, and have experience working with the LGBTQ+ communities.…”