271224 When evidence-based practice meets evidence-free policy: Case examples from law, social work and public health

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 12:50 PM - 1:10 PM

Corey Davis, JD, MSPH , National Health Law Program, Carrboro, NC
Lisa Zerden, MSW, PhD , School of Social Work, University of North Carolina Chapel HIll, Chapel HIll, NC
     
Evidence based practice (EBP) is the process by which practitioners combine proven interventions with clinical experience, ethics, and client preferences to guide and inform the delivery of treatment and services. Although EBP is now integrated into most aspects of social work including funding mechanisms and service deliverable requirements, EBP is at times at odds with social and legal policy. This presentation will highlight several areas in which EBP is stymied by laws, policies and practices that are not supported by research-based evidence. Case examples of syringe access, illicit drug use, sex work and comprehensive sexual education will be used to exemplify the paradox between EBP and non-evidence-based law and policy. Negative effects of this disconnect will be discussed, together with possibilities for aligning law, policy and practice with research-based evidence in these and other areas.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Ethics, professional and legal requirements
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Identify areas in which evidence-based practice (EBP) is in conflict with law and social policy Describe problems that arise from law and policy that prohibits use of EBP Discuss possible solutions for aligning EBP with law and social policy

Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Needle Exchange Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have conducted extensive research on the disconnect between evidence-based practice and law in the areas of drug use, sex and sex work, leading to approximately one dozen academic articles on this topic.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5212.0: Best practice strategies for prevention and wellness