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Increasing Access to Evidence-Based Practices and Knowledge and Attitudes: A Pilot Study

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Research on Social Work Practice

Published online on

Abstract

Objective. This pilot study examined the effect of increasing field instructors access to information about evidence-based practices (EBPs) on their level of knowledge and attitudes about EBPs. Method. Eighteen field instructors received training and access to a library with extensive online journals. Half were randomly selected to also receive a brief training and subscription to PracticeWise, which includes an online modularized treatment manual for children's mental health disorders (MATCH). Participants completed three interviews by telephone at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks. Results. An increase in knowledge of EBPs occurred in the PracticeWise condition, which was reported to be significantly more helpful than the journals. Unexpectedly, attitudes about EBPS became more negative overall, but greater use of MATCH was related to an increase in positive attitudes. Conclusions. Supporting field instructors' consultation of materials with direct practice relevance might positively influence attitudes that could otherwise be a barrier to learning EBPs.