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This chapter reviews the challenges associated with the use of research based knowledge in direct social work practice. The author identifies knowledge that could be useful for practitioners, describes how monitoring and evaluation are part of the routine work, presents the Systematic Evaluation and Systematic Planned Practice (SPP) frameworks, and reviews the need to train social workers to use evidence in their daily practice. The author delineates personal and organizational level barriers and facilitators to the implementation of systematic evaluation in direct practice. Partnerships between child welfare agencies and universities are suggested as an innovative way to adjust organizational culture and behaviour and apply evidence-informed practice in real-world settings.

The chapter examines the use of evidence in Nonprofit Human Service Organizations (NPHSOs), in light of their unique characteristics and attributes that distinguish them from other organizations. The author presents the evidence-based approach for management (EBMgt) and discuss the barriers and restraining forces that prevent implementation of this approach in NPHSOs due to the distinctive nature of these organizations, the behaviors of their executives, and the gaps between research and practice. The author discusses the conditions that might facilitate the assimilation of EBMgt and structural dilemmas related to that process. Finally, the chapter delineates the steps that need to be taken in order to increase the use of evidence in NPHSOs.

Social marketing research is growing along with theory and practice in the field. This book identifies best practices and innovations in social marketing research. New methods and technologies can fill important gaps in the evidence. Translational research is a critical part and major purpose of social marketing but is often lacking. There are challenges in terms of closing the loop of research into practice as described in the PRECEDE-PROCEED and other translational research models. Strategic use of the social marketing research approach should be a priority for social and behavior change programs generally, and renewed efforts to build knowledge, education, and skills in the use of research for this purpose are an urgent priority for the field as a whole. More research on how best to diffuse social marketing methods into practice and how to close the research-practice loop is needed.