Views of Evidence-Based Practice: Social Workers' Code of Ethics and Accreditation Standards as Guides for Choice

Different views of evidence-based practice (EBP) include defining it as the use of empirically-validated treatments and practice guidelines (i.e., the EBPs approach) in contrast to the broad philosophy and related evolving process described by the originators. Social workers can draw on their code of ethics and accreditation standards both to select a view of EBP that is most faithful to related obligations and to address obstacles to implementing it. For example, the Code of Ethics (National Association of Social Workers, 1999) calls on social workers to draw on practice- and policy-related research findings, to honor informed consent guidelines, and to respect clients and empower them.