Session: Impact of Policies on Practice: Public Health changes; Vulnerable Populations


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

4338.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005: 4:30 PM-6:00 PM

Oral

Impact of Policies on Practice: Public Health changes; Vulnerable Populations

Social workers often experience tension in identifying and applying appropriate Evidenced Based Practices (EBP) in public health settings. Ever mindful of social justice concerns, social workers question whether EBPs allow for the fullest expression of the uniqueness of each client and whether EBPs have the potential to reinforce inequities and barriers to care as the emphasis shifts to standardized practices rather than social change. This session will adress issues/concerns regarding the application of EBP into public health social work and its impact on policy.

Learning Objectives: 1.Define and clarify contemporary definitions of public health social work; 2.Describe and assess a base of “best practices” examples in the current public health social work workplace environment; 3) Recognize the historical use and natural fit of Evidence-Based Practices in public health social work. Identify strategies to address barriers to implementing Evidence Based Practice initiatives in social service settings. 4) Identify existing social work routines and practices where Evidence Based Practices can be applied.

4:30 PM

Evidence-based practice in public health social work: A powerful tool for integration and revitalization