The writings of advocates of EBP demonstrate that a shift is taking place in the social work field towards a more integrated approach where “social work is an applied, empirically grounded social and cultural science aiming at both causal explanation and interpretive understanding” (Otto & Zeigler, 2008, p. 273). Talking about the limits of RCTs they suggest that “Typically, the experimental design is not able to control for the effects of worker-client dynamics and client characteristics that are not clearly defined, understood or measurable” (Cnaan & Dichter, 2008 p. 281). They go on to say: that there is a need for some sort of feedback process where the fit between the practice needs and the effectiveness of the intervention are …show more content…
This version would open up the idea of what is “evidence and forms of dissemination to include statistical analyses, narratives, and thematic qualitative analyses, technologically sophisticated as well as profoundly simple ways of communicating through stories, metaphors, anecdotes, artistic expression, poetry, and humor” (Epstein, 2009 p. 226).
A way for professional social work culture and institutional structure to further the cause of practice-research integration would be for them to embrace the contributions of both academic and practitioner-researchers alike. Then collaborations such as these would incorporate projects that are research-driven, where practitioners assist the work of researchers and practice-driven projects in which researchers act as consultants to practitioners. Institutional arrangements such as these would have the effect of empowering practitioners as “co-creators of social work knowledge rather than disempowering them by emphasizing their knowledge-building incapacities or treating them merely as guideline implementers” (Epstein, 2009 p. 227).
A comparison of practice theories
In this section i will be looking at theories relating to EBP and BP. In this case practice theories, sometimes called social work approaches or methods which explain how to go about doing
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Shanell Bathersfield conducted a self-assessment. She initially determined that the systems theory was one that she was not comfortable with. Through the last few course weeks, she was able to gain an in-depth perspective on several theories that are impactful in the social work field. The coursework and utilizing Juana and Adelina as case studies, truly gave an exclusive insight on how theories are used to understand the client’s circumstances and improve their well-being.
As a result of applying appropriate theory the organisation and structure of social work practice may be enhanced (Howe 1999:104). Social workers use theory to inform practice and provide a sense of direction and guidance in their professional engagement with service users
The CSWE and the NASW view research as important to our profession because social workers must use research to advise and support their interventions, thus social workers are held accountable to acquire the knowledge and skills to help all our clients. In regards to research, the CSWE has two policy statements that social worker must adhere by: “applying critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgement and engage in research-informed practice and practice informed research”. These policies ensure that social workers have a basic understanding of research, and how we as social workers can apply research to our
Social work practice in Canada is guided by the Canadian Association of Social Workers ' (CASW) Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics contains six core values and principles: respect for the inherent dignity and worth of persons, pursuit of social justice, service to humanity, integrity of professional practice, confidentiality, and competence (Canadian Association of Social Workers [CASW], 2005). Social workers who utilize both narrative and solution-focused therapies should fully understand the strengths and limitations of these theories in their professional practice using CASW guidelines. Additionally, social workers should examine if these single approaches are sufficiently comprehensive to address all of a client 's problems, or if a more flexible, adaptable approach of eclecticism is more suited (Coady & Lehmann, 2008).
One cannot simply state a theory or intervention method works without providing supporting evidence. Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research Informed Practice affirms that social workers utilize interventions and apply theories based on what has been reinforced through research. Yet, social workers also recognize that practice can lead to the discovery of topics that have not been or contain little research surrounding an issue, resource, idea, or case. Moreover, we will never know everything about any topic, because practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. To demonstrate my proficiency in the area of research and research informed practice, I have provided three artifacts: a literature review, research proposal, and a social and behavioral sciences training - responsible conduct of research certificate obtained upon the
This essay will identify a case I have been involved in and have continuously had to assess whilst on placement. It will refer to a child who will be identified as A. A is a young carer and has only recently returned home after being removed from his mothers care due to her having a substance abuse problem and mental health concerns. I will link the legal framework that was relevant to this case study and describe actions taken. Additionally these actions will demonstrate the application of social work methods and theories that were contributive elements in his intervention, offering explanations as to why these particular methods were used. Before closing, the essay will review any issues of discrimination with a reflection of the
As social workers, it is important to study the entire aspect of the individual. We must examine the individual past and see if their condition is trauma-related. It is the job of the social worker to identify the issue, in this case it would be a person who suffers from a mental illness and is placed in isolation when in jail or person and find the best solution for that issue. The solution to the issue may not be what’s written in a handbook or what we were thought, but sometimes we must find alternate resolutions. While we may not have the answers to combat the issue; if as social workers we could find the root cause of the issue that may help in the intervention process.
The incorporation of evidenced-based practice (EBP) into nursing practice is supported by research to positively improve the quality of care and improve patient outcomes. EBP is important to the nursing profession because it also leads to increased job satisfaction, teamwork, and levels of engagement in clinicians (Melnyk, et al., 2017). Miniature research projects such as quality improvement projects, surveys, and clinical research studies are frameworks used to get feedback and data from patients during their time spent in health care systems. EBP is not the standard of care in many health care systems (Melnyk, et al., 2017). This due to many factors, including lack of EBP mentors, nursing programs that do not incorporate EBP into the curriculum,
For this paper, I have decided to research two social work theories and how those theories apply to residents in long term care facilities. The primary focus will be those residents who are alert, oriented, and showing minimal symptoms of dementia.
Sheafor & Horejsi once said in there 2012 article “Techniques and guidelines for social work practice”, that “patterns of professional drift, or the neglect of a profession’s traditional purpose and functions in favor of activities associated with other professions. This is true because evident that when helping professionals understand their roles as counselors or specialists they seem to lose some alliance with their teaching of their educational
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a process in which the practitioner combines well-researched interventions with clinical experience and client preferences and culture to guide and inform the delivery of treatments and services (Social Work Policy Institute). According to Encyclopedia of social work, evidence-based practice is a five-step process used to select, deliver, and evaluate individual and social interventions aimed at preventing or ameliorating client problems and social conditions. EBP is at an important turning point in social work. Regardless, the challenges of EBP to social work education, practice and research are varied and complex.
As discussed by Williams & Bell (2015), the evolving identity of social work has been continually unclear among the general public and social workers themselves. Theoretically social work practice is thought to have abandoned its original ideals of community focus and collective betterment shifting its concentration to individualistic approaches. Since its inception, beginning with settlement houses and charity organizations in the 19th century, social work practice has endeavored for recognition as a profession in its own right not as a supplement to other professions in a secondary manner such as assisting doctors or lawyers etc.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a national association of educational programs and individuals that confirms and improves the quality of social work education to become a professional job. CSWE puts in a countless amount of effort to strive for this mission by setting up a bachelor's and master’s degree programs in social work. On the other hand, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with approximately 132,000 members. To be more specific, NASW has a determination to intensify the maturity and developmental process of its members. The main goal is to retain professional standards and to create fair social policies. NASW progresses
For this reflective journal, I have decided to draw parallels between approaches to social work that I have learned in my placement, and what I have learned during my academic career at Carleton University. Placement thus far, has been an eye-opening and rich experience, which has taught me about the profession that I aspire to be a part of. I am a third year student, and much of my time spent at Carleton, has been studying theories, and becoming exposed to different schools of thought. Theories are incredibly beneficial, to teach and inform the practice of the next generation of social workers. However, placement has provided me with the opportunity to apply theoretical ideals, to real life social work practice.