On the sidelines of guidelines: Further thoughts on the fit between clinical guidelines and social work practice

Professors Howard and Jenson identify, numerous potential benefits of clini cal practice guidelines. We welcome the opportunity to join the dialogue an d organize our comments around five questions: (a) Do guidelines ensure pos itive client outcomes? (b) Are published treatment outcome studies adequate ly representative of the universe of empirical knowledge about what works w ith diverse client problems and populations? (c) How can guidelines be inte grated with professional decision making? (d) Will implementing guidelines translate into greater client compliance? (e) What is the Pt between guidel ines and paradigms of direct social work practice?