Dr. Lynn McDonald, Brunel University Dr. Mary Pat Sullivan, Brunel University Dr. Donald Forrester, University of Bedfordshire Developing and adapting evidence- based social work interventions in the UK: the example of Families And Schools Together (FAST)

Aims of Workshop To explore issues in developing and delivering “evidence based” interventions FAST used as an example – the workshop is not about FAST but about EBP Aim to explore EBP in theory and practice Concerned at lack of social work involvement in producing evidence based approaches

What is EBP? “the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions regarding the welfare of those in need” Sheldon and Chilvers 2002 Seems self-evidently a good idea Yet topic of great controversy

Nature of EBP Based on medical approach Within this Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) seen as the “gold standard” Develop evidence with generalisable applicability

Social Model critique Social model critical of terms used – this makes RCT approach problematic Child abuse not the same as cholera Tendency to individualise problems – RCTs rarely consider social change

Criticisms of scientific method Particularly RCTs RCTs of psycho-social interventions not generalisable in same way Context vital for RCTs Problematises interpretation of evidence

Criticisms of values At odds with those of social work? Doing EBP “to” – not with – service users. What of the voice of the client? EBP perhaps ignores issues of difference eg race, gender, sexuality etc. The individual-in-society infinitely complex and therefore “one size fits all” not possible EBP tool of managerialism – central control and “manualisation” of practice

Reconceptualising EBP These criticisms all apply to EBP as it may be or is – not as it could - or SHOULD - be Reconceptualisation of EBP needs to: Take account of “social model” in defining, understanding and intervening Understand the strengths AND limitations of RCTs Be consistent with social work values

EBP and FAST Families and Schools Together – a social work “evidence based” approach Want to explore: How FAST developed The social model and social work values in an evidence based approach Issues around generalisability and adaptation