Reflections on Evidence Based Practice Criticisms: Updating Today’s Social Worker

As the emphasis on evidence-based practice and evidence-based research in the field of social work continues to grow, it is increasingly pertinent that today’s social worker is well-versed in its on-going debate, its theoretical strengths and limitations, its store of resources, and the state of its current adoption. As such, this essay specifically explores the arguments associated with resistance to and issues of changing to the evidence-based practice model, namely that the field is not prepared in terms of resources for such an overarching paradigm change. This concern is addressed as objectively as possible, acknowledging both the preparation and potential benefits of evidence-based practice, but also the reality of its limitations. Ultimately, this exploration is intended to dissolve misconceptions of the adaptation to evidence-based practice, minimize unnecessary resistance to change, and finally, achieve an increased understanding of the pending limitations of applying evidence-based practice to the field of social work and to social interventions.