Jones, Mat, Dibsdall, Lisa, Cameron, Ailisa, Grey, Karen, Mcleod, Hugh, Sumpter, Linda, Symonds, Jon, Willis, Paul  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9774-0130, Cabral, Christie and Macdonald, Geraldine
2025.
Connecting evidence with decision-making in adult social care: A cross-sectional staff survey.
Journal of Social Work
10.1177/14680173251336107
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Abstract
Summary: For adult social care organizations faced with growing challenges, an increasingly important issue is how best to make use of relevant research. This article reports on a survey that sought to assess the views, experiences, and use of research among adult social care staff in three neighboring local authorities in England. Findings: In total, 250 staff (30% response rate) across all grades and areas of practice responded to the survey. Staff expressed positive views about the role of research in practice and 36% of respondents could think of changes to their practice that were informed by research findings. Staff with personal experience of doing research, on more senior grades, and in receipt of relevant training reported more positive views, knowledge, skills, and application of research. Elements of research engagement were reported more frequently by occupational therapist staff compared to those in social work. There were no significant differences based upon duration of service or recency of professional qualification. Staff trained in literature searching and critical appraisal were generally not confident to apply their learning. Inadequate time was a leading barrier to research engagement. Applications: This study highlights the need for an organization-wide perspective on promoting greater use of research evidence in adult social care decision-making. From this stance, our research indicates the importance of attending to the interests and capacities of diverse staff groups alongside a focus on specific staff-informed opportunities and leverage points through which to disseminate the use of research evidence in complex organizations.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Published Online |
| Status: | In Press |
| Schools: | Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education) |
| Publisher: | SAGE Publications |
| ISSN: | 1468-0173 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 19 June 2025 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 25 February 2025 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jun 2025 13:44 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/179195 |
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