Conclusions
A prevailing image from recent research on the promotion of
evidence-based practice in adult social care is one of a difficult,
slow, and unsteady walk. Practitioners are encouraged to travel with new
resources and promising interventions in workplaces that contend with
growing demand, resource restraint, and high staff turnover. Faced with
such countervailing pressures, might lead some to be concerned that the
agenda for the use of research evidence is faltering or perhaps even
taking steps backward. The present study offers further empirical
evidence to signal a challenging environment, alongside affirmations
that adult social care staff nevertheless seek to engage with research.
Where this study adds to existing enquiries on the use of research
evidence in practice is through gathering the perspectives of diverse
practitioner groups across an entire organisational setting in adult
social care. Different patterns of engagement draw attention to the
capacities for action of specific groups of staff, and how their
interests might offer the basis for wider innovations in practice. With
respect to improving decision making in adult social care organisations,
this study points to prospects for the further application of evidence
from research. This includes the need to facilitate greater experiential
and interprofessional learning alongside a focus on the responsibilities
for action from those in senior roles and the need for training – and
post-training support – that better reflects the interests and
capabilities of diverse staff groups at all levels of adult social care
organisations.