Evidence-based knowledge in the context of social practice

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Evidence-Based Practice Research
• Health Systems Research

Background:

• Social practitioners require robust evidence for developing effective social policies and practices.
• Existing knowledge domains and research methodologies need evaluation for evidence-based practice integration.
• Understanding factors influencing the use of evidence in social practice is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify essential knowledge domains for evidence-based social practice.
• Explore effective research methods for knowledge development.
• Propose a framework linking evidence-based practice, systematic reviews, and guidelines.
• Examine barriers to using evidence-based knowledge in social practice.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of social practice within a transdisciplinary, evidence-based framework.
• Review of national reports on comparative effectiveness research.
• Examination of existing conceptualizations of evidence-based practice.

Main Results:

• Key knowledge domains for a transdisciplinary systems view of evidence-based practice were identified.
• Promising comparative effectiveness research methods relevant to these domains were highlighted.
• An integrative conceptualization of evidence-based practice, including systematic reviews and practice guidelines, was proposed.

Conclusions:

• Comparative effectiveness research strategies, employing diverse methods, can advance evidence-based knowledge for social practice.
• An integrated approach linking planned systematic reviews and guideline development is essential for knowledge translation.
• Conceptual models viewing intervention effects within interacting domains can improve evidence-based research on social interventions.