Class Two Jeff Driskell, MSW, PhD Research In Social Work Practice Salem State University School of Social Work Class Two Jeff Driskell, MSW, PhD

Today’s class Check-in/Question Syllabus questions Announcements Lecture Evidence-Based Practice Weekly Comments

Identify 3 uses for research… 1. 2. 3.

Your supervisor at the social service agency you work at has asked you to be part of a committee that is organizing a way to evaluate one of your programs/interventions. During a planning meeting, a staff member asks you to help them understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative research. Explain how you would differentiate the two.

Evidence-Based Practice

Moving Forward The lens in which you will use for this course: Evidence Based Practice Framework

CSWE Core Competencies

Evidence Based Practice Defined In brief, what is your understanding of evidence based practice?

EBP Definition “A process in which practitioners make practice decisions in light of the best research evidence available. This is an integrative model” (Rubin & Babbie, 2001) “It is a guide for thinking about how decisions are made. It acknowledges that client preferences rather than clinician’s preferences should be considered first whenever possible to do so” (Devereau & Guyatt, 2002)

Integrative Model Client Attributes Best Research Evidence Evidence-Based Practice Client Attributes Best Research Evidence Practitioners Expertise

Car Purchase….Huh?

Controversies about EBP

Social Work Values and Ethics What do you see as the link between EBP and the values/ethics of the social work profession?

Youth Villages Give an example of how Youth Villages used research as it relates to their program. Locate research on Evidentiary Family Restoration http://vimeo.com/47034848

EBP- STEPS TO SUCCESS

Nature of Evidence Based Practice: Client-Centered Approach Requires critical thinking Be active in the process, not passive Tracking down current best available evidence Requires understanding research designs and methods

Bridging the Gap- Access to Knowledge (Kirk, 1979) Research findings should be practice relevant Specific applications to practice should be contained in research reports Research findings should be disseminated effectively Practitioners should possess both the skill and the incentive to assess and change their practice bx based on research knowledge

Activity: Steps in EBP Each group will be assigned two steps associated with the Evidence-Based Practice Model. As a GROUP- discuss the purpose and actions taken in that particular step.

Activity: EBP Application Each group will formulate research questions to guide your treatment decision. Create questions about effectiveness, best predictors, which assessment tools to use, and what it is like having the clients experience. (4 questions) Case: You are working with a 9 year old African American boy who has experienced sexual abuse and witnessed domestic violence in the home. He has been given a diagnosis of PTSD and conduct disorder.

Steps in Evidence-Based Practice Step 1: Formulate a Question to Answer Practice Needs Step 2: Search for the Evidence Step 3: Critically Appraise the Relevant Studies You Find Step 4: Determine Which Evidence-Based Intervention Is Most Appropriate for Your Particular Client(s) Step 5: Apply the Evidence-Based Intervention Step 6: Evaluation and Feedback

Step 1: Formulate a Question to Answer Practice Needs Questions should: Target practice decisions Consider variations in client characteristics Question formulation if one or more interventions are specified in advance: CIAO C: client characteristics I: intervention being considered A: alternative intervention (if any) O: outcome

Step 2: Search for the Evidence Computerized library searches Searches of professional literature databases Internet search engines Search terms Approaches to searching: Top-down Bottom-up

Step 3: Critically Appraise the Relevant Studies You Find Main questions for practice effectiveness studies: Was treatment outcome measured in a reliable, valid, and unbiased manner? Was the research design strong enough to indicate conclusively whether the intervention or something else most plausibly explains the variations in client outcomes? Different research hierarchies for different research questions ©2011, Brooks/Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

Step 4: Determine Which Evidence-Based Intervention Is Most Appropriate for Your Particular Client(s) Even evidence based interventions are not effective with every client or situation. Consider: Quality of the evidence Client characteristics and context Values and expectations of client ©2011, Brooks/Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

Step 5: Apply the Evidence-Based Intervention Obtain training in the intervention and readings on how to implement the intervention including treatment manuals Arrange for consultation or supervision Formulate measurable treatment goals with client to aid in evaluation intervention effectiveness ©2011, Brooks/Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

Step 6: Evaluation and Feedback Collaborative measurement and evaluation of set treatment goals Ongoing discussion of evaluation and outcomes with client Share what you have learned Communicate findings with relevant colleagues ©2011, Brooks/Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

Evidence Based Practice Example What is the problem area being addressed? How might you use this knowledge to advance your practice with clients? http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_ho w_to_make_stress_your_friend.html

…and then there were “NUTs” Discussion of Pignotti & Thyer article:

Weekly Comment Review Based on the Pignotti (2009) article: Choose one of the following interventions/programs: DARE, Scared Straight Programs, Rebirthing, or Facilitated Communication for Autism. Provide brief description Identify if the program/intervention is supported or not supported empirically.

Activity- Problem Exploration Step 1- Identify a problem area with a specific population Step 2- Formulate and EBP question Step 3- Locate 2 articles to help answer your question. http://www.campbellcollaboration.org/ http://www.cochrane.org/cochrane-reviews http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/AdvancedSearch .aspx You

Evaluating Research Strategies Questions to ask…. http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/AboutNREPP.asp x (PDF link)

Next Week Everyone is to locate and print out an article that involves evaluation of a program, policy or intervention. The article should address one of the following problem areas: Depression Domestic violence Aging

Weekly Comments Next Week Based on your assigned Group article for today- What type of research design? Identify the type of evaluation that takes place within the study. What is your understanding to why you would use this type of evaluation? Identify and describe the intervention used in the article.