Evidence and evidence gaps in assessments and interventions in areas related to social work research and practice: an overview of four evidence maps

This overview of four evidence maps is based on systematic reviews of assessment and interventions in social work practice. The aim was to investigate the evidence and evidence gaps within four important areas for social work research and practice. Descriptive data on search strategies and domains were collected from four evidence maps, on Social Assistance, Substance Dependence, Care for older adults respectively for persons with disabilities. The scientific quality and scientific evidence were assessed. Key findings were summarised by analyzing and discussing common and specific elements in the evidence maps. The overview was undertaken in close collaboration between researchers with expertise in the field and a government agency. The overview identified both evidence and evidence gaps with respect to effects and experiences of interventions and assessment methods in four evidence maps. Evidence maps provide a comprehensive picture of the state of social services research and can thereby be of use to both researchers and practitioners, and in the production of evidence based social work.