Debatten om evidensbaserad praktik i socialt arbete

The aim of this study has been to investigate the debate in the paper Socionomen between 2008-2018, which touches upon the ambition to implement evidence-based practice in the social work field in Sweden. With a qualitative approach, different points of view relative to evidence-based practice in social work has been examined. The intention has been to increase the understanding regarding the disagreements in the debate related to the concept of evidence-based practice. In the discussion it seems like the concept and definition of evidence-based practice lacks consensus. Some argues that the idea is way too focused on science, obtained from certain research studies which focuses on ways to produce universal methods. Based on such an understanding, there is a concern that evidence-based practice will reduce professional’s ability to apply alternative, various forms of knowledge into their work. Some argues that the concept should not be understood in such ways, but as an approach which purpose is to offer the client effective, or at least not harmful, ways of support. Because of the different understandings according to the concept, the debate can be interpreted as an ambition from different directions to apply their definition of evidence-based practice in social work. However, this ambition seems difficult to succeed with from either side