Two psychologies: an exploration of trainee clinical psychologists' relationship with evidence and undergraduate teaching

Psychological practitioners are expected to work according to the principles of evidence-based practice. Despite intense efforts to ensure this, there remains a perception of a gap between clinical practice and what is seen to be optimal practice (Stewart, 2012). This systematic review synthesised qualitative research in order to better understand how clinicians and trainers make sense of the relationship between research evidence and clinical practice. 1220 articles were screened, with eight studies included in this review, focusing on the perspectives of clinicians and trainers from diverse backgrounds. Clinicians and trainers expressed a broad range of views regarding this relationship, with some finding evidence-based practice as non-negotiable, and others holding more sceptical positions. Clinicians’ critiques mirror those made by academics, demonstrating an awareness of contemporary debates. More fundamental conceptual and philosophical critiques were also expressed, with some clinicians and trainers expressing a desire for more idiographic knowledge to be prioritised. The review makes specific recommendations to better utilise clinicians’ expertise in research, and suggestions for the type of research that appears to be valued by some clinicians.