Applying Clinical Trials in Social Work Practice

Abstract

Social work is in the midst of a trend to assess the efficacy of various modes of treatment. This article presents a research method heavily utilized in the biomedical sector and currently entering the psychosocial disciplines to achieve this goal, namely, controlled clinical trials. This method is first described, some studies which employed it are presented, its potential benefits are explored, the problems it poses for social work use are summarized, and conclusions are put forth which suggest steps necessary for its successful use in social work practice.

The evolution of social work practice: implications for the generalist approach

“…The current status of social work is inaccurately perceived by the lay public as less rigorous than that of the so‐called true professions (Cnaan & Parsloe, 1989). That perception is associated with practice methods thought to be less measurable and less amenable to public scrutiny.…”

“…In an advanced technological society, this is less apparent in the absence of practice expertise. While social work has maintained some degree of expertise, it is perceived universally, via subjectivity, as being less rigorous than the so‐called classic professions (Cnaan & Parsloe, 1989). That perception is the product of a practice where the generalist approach is less measurable and less amenable to public scrutiny.…”