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 actually studied. However it is all too common for social work practice and research to be carried out ‘in silo’ form “where the EBP processes are followed up, evaluated, and connected too rarely” (Cnaan & Dichter, 2008 p. 289).
Others call for a practice that is informed by both practitioner and by EBP research and disagree that the transfer of knowledge is one way only from academics to practitioners and from science to practice thereby relegating practitioners to mere research consumers or form fillers. They instead propose a more hybridized approach to practice-research integration constructed around a problem-solving approach where researchers and practitioner’s, retrospective and prospective researchers, interpretavists and experimentalists and everyone in between have knowledge contributions to make (Gredig & Sommerfeld, 2008).
Although a hierarchy of evidence is argued by many policymakers and researchers alike, others argue that no one method of research is automatically any better than any...
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...l being are holistic. Well being is not compartmentalised in the way that it has been articulated in Western positivist science. There are similarities with Strengths based, Recovery-focused, constructivist and ecological perspectives.
Solution focused Therapy (SFT)
SFT was developed inductively rather than deductively out of the systems approach and is very much evidenced based. It is described as a goal directed collaborative approach to psycho-therapeutic change. It is carried out via direct observation of the clients' responses to a series of precisely designed questions. It is based upon social constructionist thinking and focuses on addressing what the client wants to achieve, exploring the history and origin of the problem whilst typically focusing on the present and future. Any focus on the past is simply to clarify the clients concerns and show empathy.
It is of paramount consideration that social workers are conscious of, aware and sensitive to the cultural demands of their clientele. This is because culture is a pivotal factor upon which a great deal of conduct, norms, social connections and mindsets of clients revolve. For social workers there is need to understand and appreciate how cultural traditions influence relationships with a diverse panorama of client needs and demands. This literature review seeks to create a foundation regarding the facts stated above through filtering and analysis of relevant and interesting research studies and works by previous authors. This review of literature focuses on how social workers develop or maintain cultural competence following graduation from Masters of Social Work Program. It aimed at providing answers for further research regarding how social workers maintain cultural competence post graduation. In addition, this literature review seeks to consider that social workers are not enhancing their cultural awareness post graduation as mandated by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics.
Solution focused Brief therapy directs the Social worker and clients attention to the question like how they will come to know the problem is solved (De Shazer et al, 1986). This question can help the client to visualise a preferred future when all of their existing problems are solved. Social worker can help client to progress towards preferred future by formulating solutions towards the set goals which will help in building that future. In Solution focused therapy, practitioners asked questions with the intention of setting up a therapeutic process and to listen and understand clients’ words and meanings and then ask next set of questions by focusing on client’s words and phrases (SFBTA,
SFBT focuses on solution/success and not the problem/failure. Both therapies avoid using the medical model. In these two therapies the patient is not viewed as sick. Building a strong and solid relationship with the client is salient in both therapies. This article mentioned a lot about changing a client’s distorted thinking and how that will hopefully impact behavior. Some other theoretical concepts include: empathic listening;non judgemental acceptance; demonstrating respect for the clients and establishing a cooperative and equal relationship with the client. Counselors must also exhibit faith and confidence in the client. Clients are viewed as the “decision makers”. As counselors we are to help the client discover their strengths and resources that they may develop or may already be internal. (Watts & Pietrzak, 2000,
Then start to develop goals by finding out what they think is helping and what is not and are they willing to invest the time and effort by using the scaling exercise. The social worker with asks strengths-reinforcing coping questions how, what, and has. The Client is encouraged to define their goals from the start where the social worker may present and alternate perspective are to ask the miracle question. Answers to this question can provide indicators of change to be used. “All task are interventions are intended to encourage the client to think and behave differently with regard to the presenting problem than has been typical in the past (Walsh, 2013).” The formal first-session is the assignment of observing the good the client would like to continue in their life and maybe get the client thinking about exceptions. Second the surprise task surprising another person connected with the problem in a good way “shake up” in the clients’ routine and influence positive behavior. The ending is worked on from the start of intervention, where progress is monitored at each session that might be the last. Where the focus is on helping clients identify strategies to maintain and continue the momentum of enacting solutions.
The type of research conducted often depends on the epistemology of the researcher. Epistemology is considered the justification of knowledge; it is about the relationship between the researcher, knowledge, and how knowledge is created (Carter...
Of the many factors that can affect the role scientific evidence plays in questions of public policy, most important in the case ...
Social workers should have a strong knowledge base comprising of information gathered from variety of empirically tested theories which allows them to effectively appreciate the nature of people’s problems. Theory is a vital component in social work practice that guides the way in which social workers view and approach their clients, at micro, mezzo and macro level. Theory helps predict, explain and assess situations and
Strengths and Limitations of Social Work Practice in Colombia: A View from Canadian Social Work
Counselors are very dependent on the research of others. Counselors are among many who are responsible for producing evidence based practice. Counselors have a responsibility to be eager and capable of locating and using evidence based interventions. Research reports are used to help summarize the findings of different types of research in the counseling profession. The results of a research report should summarize the findings of the research. According to Sheperis, Young, and Daniels 2010, “it should be easy for the reader to connect the findings with the stated research questions and to determine whether the finding support or refute your hypothesis” (p.239). The following are two challenges that the counseling profession is faced with when it comes to outcome research: (1) producing sufficient volumes of evidence and (2) being able to find, interpret, and use the evidence from previous research. These challenges place a limit on the variety of interventions that are available to the counseling profession. One intervention that works for one child, might not produce the same results for another child. So it is very important that research provides information that is useful and effective. The lack of studies makes it more challenging to determine whether or not an intervention is an effective solution that will improve a student’s behavior or academics. “Ultimately, regardless of how effective a counselor may be, if the problems are not properly measured and assessed, intervention is disadvantaged and treatment is comprised” (Sheperis, Young, & Daniels, 2010, p. 3). In order to best serve clients we have to complete comprehensive research and use the results to the advantage of the client.
...w they had and the likelihood of moving forward seems more tangible and real, and the whole experience is motivating and stimulating (Winbolt, 2011). Adolescents need this empowerment in order to feel self-worth; they also need to feel as though they are creating the change that is happening in order for the change to actually occur. Because adolescents are at times difficult to engage with in tradional therapies, SFBT has been found effective because it respects their worldview and pays attention to their wishes. Many adolescents are struggling for independence within their families of origin and see therapists as simply another adult seeking to hold them back. When they are addressed as an individual it encourages their independence and hoped-for adult status, while a focus on exceptions and miracles encourages competence, resilience and hope (Macdonald, 2007).
Davies, K. S. (2011). Formulating the evidence based practice question: A review of the frameworks. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 6(2), 75–80. Retrieved from https://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/EBLIP/article/viewFile/9741/8144
Social work practice requires many skills, which need much practice themselves. This needs social work students to be open to trying within safe environments and scenario’s for mistake, such as with their peers and with emotional safe scenarios such as stress at University. This begins with a requirement to do 5 minutes of interviewing with a peer which includes many social work skills such as active listening, encouraging, paraphrasing, being/creating a welcoming and safe environment and other such basic and beginning skills.
Social work is a multifaceted, ever adapting profession, which has had many purposes and identities through the years. It is imperative for the vocation to constantly evolve alongside the social climate and the new ways in which we identify and treat those who are in need of support. Social workers can be required to take on the role of counsellor, advocate, case-worker, partner, assessor of risk and need, and at times (as the government seeks to push social work further and further towards the health and education sectors) a servant of the state. The profession is dramatically subject to affection by societal change, thus demanding social workers have a duty to be up to date with the latest developments in understanding how and why people get to the point of requiring social work intervention, and how best to prevent and cater for it.
EBP changes according to the client and the particular case. The social worker has to examine all aspects before picking an intervention. A systematic review of multiple interventions research studies is one EBP that can be beneficial to generalist social work practice. My purpose for selecting this form of EBP is because every case, situation, or counseling can always benefit from researching previous treatment
Theory is defined as “…”. In the social work profession, it is not enough to just understand the definition of theory, but rather be able to integrate theory into practice when working to plan interventions at multiple practice levels. This integration of theory into the social work practice is an emphasis of the profession as noted in the profession’s core competencies. Core competency 2.1.6 “engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research” (NASW code of ethics) is the basis for theory integration within the social work profession. The profession’s practice behaviors state that social workers must “use research evidence to inform practice” (NASW code of ethics). In other words, social workers should “attend to findings