Knowledge Production and Practice Research in Swedish Social Work

The efforts to promote and implement an evidence- based practice (EBP) have been an explicit part of Swedish social policy for more than 10 years. As a public venture aimed at changing social work practice it has few... [ view full abstract ]

The efforts to promote and implement an evidence- based practice (EBP) have been an explicit part of Swedish social policy for more than 10 years. As a public venture aimed at changing social work practice it has few predecessors in terms of personnel, finance, or political support (Denvall & Johansson, 2012; Johansson, 2013).
In the report that formed the base for the current ambitions; Evidence-based Practice in Social Services – To the Benefit of the Client (SOU 2008:18), there were strong arguments that such a development presupposes investments in education, research as well as in organization. Not least, the report argued that it was essential to strengthen the clients influence and the professionals in the local practices.
In an ongoing (2013-2015) research project, I study this development. The study's shows a lot of activities during this implantation. In total the Swedish Government has allocated 682 million Swedish kronor between 2011 and 2014 for different efforts. But what are the results? And far most important what are the plans for long term results? What long term knowledge development can expected in the local organizations regarding the professional knowledge development and the benefits of the client´s? Can we see a path to an Evidence based practice?
I have conducted this study in close cooperation whit different organizations and actors.
In this efforts, the tradition of Practice Research has offered important points of departure. Not because it provides a complete model ready to be implemented. But, important enough, because it recognizes the dilemmas and challenges in this kind of project.
In this presentation and in the paper I will discuss my study as well as challenges and dilemmas in this reform and its implementation.