Dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practice in the social services: a UK survey

A cross sectional UK-wide survey assessed current levels of dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practice in social care and social work agencies. A structured questionnaire was e-mailed to 357 agencies of which 155 (43.4%) completed and returned it. Although the results show that evidence-based practice in this area is still in its early stages, most respondents reported a good knowledge of evidence-based practice as well as the view that professional decisions should be informed by-but not only-research evidence. The lack of time, resources, information, and training are identified as the main barriers to be overcome for an effective implementation of evidence-based practice in the social services.