Relationship Between Qualitative Analysis and Evidence-Based Practice

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There has been an increasing emphasis on evidence in the social work profession, especially in the field of nursing. Evidence-based practice largely involves the incorporation of research-based evidence and clinical expertise into the practice of nursing with a view to improving patient outcomes. Qualitative analysis plays a key role in enhancing evidence-based practice. With the rapidly evolving nature of the social work profession, there is an increased need for decisions supported by evidence. Much of the evidentiary knowledge essential for social workers is enhanced through qualitative research and analysis. In evidence-based practice, the qualitative analysis provides reference points upon which decisions are grounded. (Grove, Burns, & Gray, 2014).
The article Evidence-based practices, attitudes, and beliefs in substance abuse treatment programs serving American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Qualitative study by Larios, Wright, Jernstrom, Lebron, and Sorensen, 2011 presents an exploration of people’s attitudes with regard to the incorporation of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) into treatment programs for substance abuse focused on the minorities in San Francisco Bay. Based on this article, negative attitudes toward evidence-based practice, mistrust, and people’s fear of being exploited by the researchers were the main reasons for the underutilization of evidence-based treatments in the minority-based treatment programs for substance abuse.

Evidently, this qualitative study helps in uncovering the reasons for the poor adoption of evidence-based treatments in these minority-based clinics, which when addressed would enhance the use of EBTs. This suggests that qualitative analysis could be used in the development of evidence-based treatment programs as well as their evaluation. It could direct quality improvement mechanisms for these treatment programs, for example, based on people’s attitudes and beliefs.
The article Intermediate outcomes pursued by practitioners: A qualitative analysis by Zeira and Rosen, 1999 presents an analysis of the different intermediate outcomes involved in the process of treatment which help in the attainment of the ultimate outcomes. Using qualitative data analysis, this study demonstrates that there is a variety of intermediate outcomes that ought to be understood by the social work practitioners for the necessary interventions to be applied in the treatment process. The desired ultimate outcomes of a treatment process can only be attained if the practitioners understand the variety and richness of the intermediate outcomes so as to implement the necessary interventions. Together with the ultimate outcomes, intermediate outcomes represent the two most important components of an evidence-based treatment process. The qualitative analysis provides an avenue for social work professionals and practitioners to organize and differentiate interventions based on the specific categories of intermediate outcomes.
Qualitative studies have an extensive contribution to social work practice. Most importantly, qualitative study leads to the generation of hypotheses which are often used to improve evidence-based practice. From the findings of a qualitative study, researchers get leads to develop new research questions. Hence, from these findings, new hypotheses are generated which propel future research. The qualitative study creates a ground for the evaluation of evidence-based practice. For example, a patient satisfaction qualitative analysis may be used as a reference for initiating the necessary quality improvement mechanisms in social work practice. This way, qualitative study improves evidence-based practices as interventions are designed based on the qualitative data from recent studies. With more advancement in qualitative research, qualitative outcome analysis has been incorporated into social work practices which further improve patients’ outcomes. This involves not only the clinical application of qualitative study but also an evaluation of the effects of the application based on patients’ feedback and responses. Thus, qualitative study is an invaluable tool in evidence-based practice. (Brownson, Baker, Deshpande, & Gillespie, 2017).
References
Brownson, R. C., Baker, E. A., Deshpande, A. D., & Gillespie, K. N. (2017). Evidence-based public health. Oxford University Press.
Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2014). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Larios, S. E., Wright, S., Jernstrom, A., Lebron, D., & Sorensen, J. L. (2011). Evidence-based practices, attitudes, and beliefs in substance abuse treatment programs serving American Indians and Alaska Natives: A qualitative study. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 43(4), 355-359.
Zeira, A., & Rosen, A. (1999). Intermediate outcomes pursued by practitioners: A qualitative analysis. Social Work Research, 23(2), 79-87.