Can a medical model that seeks causal relationships and requires randomization in
experiments and sophisticated statistical analysis of data be applied to Social Work
practice? One could make the case that other research traditions including case studies,
qualitative analysis, historical inquiries, and surveys dominate the field of Social Work.
But the (NASW Code of Ethics) states that "Social workers should critically examine and
keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use evaluation
and research evidence in their professional practice" (5.02(c)). "This guideline also
pertains to the ethical mandate of informed consent, because professionals need to
know the evidentiary basis for alternative practices and policies in order to fully honor
the informed consent principle (Gambrill, 2003)." (Petr & Walter, 2005, p. 253). A
proposed model of evidence-based practice has been restated for social work by Barry
R. Cournoyer in 2004:

"Evidence-based social work is the mindful and systematic identification,
analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of evidence of practice effectiveness as
a primary part of an integrative and collaborative process concerning the
selection and application of service to members of target client groups. The
evidence-based decision-making process includes consideration of professional
ethics and experience, as well as the personal and cultural values and judgments
of consumers." ( Cournoyer, 2004, p. 4).