Evaluation through collaboration: a model program of agency-based training in geriatric social work

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Social Work
• Adult Education
• Healthcare Training Models

Background:

• The Institute for Geriatric Social Work (IGSW) at Boston University School of Social Work partnered with Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley (ESMV), an Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
• This collaboration aimed to develop and evaluate an innovative agency-based training program for practicing social workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate a novel, agency-based training model for geriatric social workers.
• To assess the effectiveness of a blended learning approach combining online and face-to-face instruction.
• To measure the program's impact on enhancing social workers' practice competencies.

Main Methods:

• Development of a "blended" training model featuring core and elective online courses alongside in-person sessions.
• Implementation of the agency-based training program within a community-based agency setting.
• Evaluation utilizing a randomized control trial (RCT) to rigorously test training effectiveness.

Main Results:

• The collaborative partnership successfully facilitated the development and implementation of the training program.
• The blended learning model was designed to be adaptable for both university and community-based settings.
• A randomized control trial is integral to the evaluation, aiming to quantify improvements in practice competencies.

Conclusions:

• The developed model program offers an innovative approach to professional development for social workers in geriatrics.
• The blended learning strategy provides a flexible and potentially effective method for skill enhancement.
• Further evaluation through the RCT is expected to provide empirical evidence on the program's impact on practice competencies.