Using Theory in Practice – An Intervention Supporting Research Dissemination in Social Work

ABSTRACT This guest editorial explores how theory-informed and evidence-informed practice can be strengthened in human service organizations. This exploration involves the description of a Practice and Theory group intervention model. Based on a three-case study of pilot intervention groups provided to social workers, the short-term and intermediate outcomes as well as the expected intermediate and long-term outcomes are presented and illustrated by a logic model. The shared conversations help overcome the difficulties practitioners and managers may have in understanding the role of theory or research in practice. Discussing theories in the context of everyday practice can provide practitioners with concrete tools for decision-making. Applying and experimenting with theories opens new perspectives for the problem-solving process where the practitioner is experimenting, reflecting and seeking to improve practice. Thus, shared reflections of theories and research can promote adaptive and developmental workplace learning and enhance an individual sense of epistemic agency.