Communicating Research Evidence within the Therapeutic Space: A Competency Framework for Graduate Social Work Education

Although social work, as a profession, has increasingly emphasized the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP), social work students do not consistently learn to infuse EBP as a process in their daily practice, contributing to low EBP uptake in the field. Communicating evidence to clients is an ethical imperative for informed consent and a precondition for shared decision-making; however, students are not adequately trained to talk to clients about research evidence as part of intervention planning and contracting. This article describes the development of a competency framework for communicating research evidence within the therapeutic relationship, in support of a teaching and learning innovation aimed at cultivating holistic competence in Master of Social Work students as they learn about and perform EBP. The competency framework draws on models and practices from social work, medicine, nursing, psychology, and related disciplines. The development of competencies in the communicative process within EBP is part of an evolving pedagogical approach that may serve to enhance EBP education in social work.