Towards a more reflexive research aware practice

Abstract

This article reflects on the debates about Evidence Based Practice and suggests a new approach to implementing a more reflexive and research aware social work practice in professional teams. We show that there has been a substantial focus on the responsibility of the individual professional for using best evidence to guide their practice and on the organisation to provide an environment and policies suited to EBP. We argue that there is a need balance this by an increased focus on the professional and team culture in which social work takes place. We draw on the literature on organisational change and social work research to suggest a new direction for encouraging greater reflexivity and developing a more open participative approach to the use of evidence to shape new practices in social work at the local level.