Over the years, evidence-based practices for case management have become integral to the social services sector, particularly in maximizing public service delivery. Funders across the country, particularly in government agencies, now heavily favor the use of these practices. Let’s take a quick look at the three main reasons your nonprofit organization should be using evidence-based practices for case management.
Increased funding
As evidence-based practices for case management become more common, funders are increasingly requiring organizations to use them to secure funding. In particular, public sector agencies now have elaborate requirements that mandate collecting evidence and demonstrating how that evidence is being used to improve their programs. If for no other reason than maintaining funding, it is important for social service organizations to assess how they are currently using evidence and whether there are more opportunities for them to embrace this trend.
Ability to learn from other fields
What constitutes as evidence-based practices will vary in different fields. The nonprofit services delivery field has a flexible definition for what constitutes an evidence-based practice. This flexibility is reflected in an increasing number of definitions of what an evidence-based practice is among different fields, leading to ambiguity and debate.
For instance, it might not seem obvious how evidence-based practices from a medical doctor apply to social services, especially when a doctor’s service is perceived as more prescriptive than a nonprofit organization’s. But there is still applicable and important information from medicine to social service organizations, especially for child and family services.
Seeking out the best, most relevant evidence-based practice will drive the most impact. To best serve your beneficiaries, programs need to evolve and constantly question the best way to use evidence in serving constituents. To do so, equip yourself with the most recent and impactful primary and secondary research from across fields.
Aligns well with technology
Technology is the catalyst for empowering evidence-based practices for case management. Make sure your current systems enable you to collect, analyze, and report on your program performance. Successfully implementing evidence-based practices requires having the right tools, including robust case and outcomes management systems for integrated data collection and analysis. That’s why Bonterra Program Management’s Case Management solution (previously Social Solutions) is designed with evidence-based practices in mind.
Reference these examples to inspire your continued efforts to integrate evidence-based practices into your nonprofit’s programs as you work to improve the lives of the people in the communities you serve.
