Familiarity with Evidence-Based Practice and Self-Evaluated Service Quality: The Mediating Roles of Preference for Authority-Based Evidence and Professional Autonomy

Abstract

Abstract Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a model that integrates research, education and practice. Although it has been generally promoted and applied in various practice settings, few studies have examined whether EBP is related to service quality in social work. In this study, a sample of 2,987 licensed social workers was drawn from the Chinese Social Workers Survey, and a model that connects familiarity with the EBP process and service quality was tested. Additionally, this study examined the influences of anti-authority culture and professional autonomy on self-perceived service quality. Results showed that the preference for authority-based evidence is prevalent amongst the social workers in this sample. Familiarity with the EBP process is positively related to self-evaluated service quality. Preference for authority-based evidence and professional autonomy partially mediates the relationship between familiarity with the EBP and self-evaluated service quality. These findings provide insights into the EBP process amongst Chinese social workers. Educational implications include promoting high-quality evidence and emphasising critical thinking and accountability in EBP education. Summary This study drew a sample of 2987 licensed social workers from the Chinese Social Workers Survey and tested a model that connects familiarity with EBP process and self-evaluated service quality. The findings revealed that the respondents who are more familiar with the EBP process are more likely to report better service quality Chinese social workers' self-reported service quality is partially built on the professional autonomy and anti-authority culture promoted by the EBP movement.