Skip to Main Content

SOCW 553: Research Knowledge and Evidence in Clinical Social Work Practice

Overview of evidence-based practice, literature review/systematic review workflows, and citation management for your written EBP assignment.

1. PICO(T) Components

Define PICO(T) components for selected research topic by completing the relevant section of the PICO(T) handout.

(Knowledge + Comprehension) (Process Part 3.III)

2. Clinical Question

Construct a clinical question using the PICO(T) components that are representative of the selected research topic on the relevant section of the PICO(T) handout.

(Application) (Process Part 3.III)

3. Search Terms

Identify and List potential search terms including synonyms, abbreviations, acronyms, and variant spellings based on the clinical question to begin construction of a search strategy in a Library database on the relevant section of the PICO(T) handout.

(Knowledge + Comprehension) (Process Part 3.IV)

4. Database Selection

Select Library database(s) that are relevant and appropriate to the clinical question on the relevant section of the PICO(T) handout.

(Evaluation) (Process Part 3.IV)

5. Search Strategies & Limiters

Apply concepts of Boolean searching, limiters, and truncation in a database that is representative of information needs of the clinical question.

(Synthesis + Knowledge) (Process Part 3.IV)

6. Assessing & Selecting Results

Assess and Select results of search strategy for relevance and applicability for addressing the clinical question by examining the research design and methods, sample, conclusions and results of study.

(Evaluation + Comprehension) (Process Part 3.IV.i)

7. Evaluation of Search Process

Conclude and Justify if selected studies from search support the clinical question based on the summative results of those studies and the research strategy used to collect them.

(Evaluation) (Process Part 3.VI)