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Social work practitioners as researchers: is it possible?
1Social Work Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis 55417.
Social Work in Health Care
|January 1, 1993
Summary
A social work research support group successfully fostered publication by providing skills, motivation, and support. Another group failed, highlighting the need for sustained agency encouragement for clinical research development.
Area of Science:
- Social Work Research
- Clinical Practice
- Professional Development
Background:
- Social workers face expectations to conduct research alongside clinical duties.
- Lack of practitioner interest and tangible support hinders research in practice settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing the success of social work research support groups.
- To identify strategies for encouraging and sustaining clinical research development and publication among practitioners.
Main Methods:
- Formation of a support group for non-supervisory clinical social workers with an educator-consultant.
- Regular meetings focused on strengthening research skills, maintaining motivation, and promoting publication.
- Comparison with a second, less successful research group at the same facility.
Main Results:
- The supported group successfully published seven articles, with five more in progress.
- A second research group at the same facility faltered after eight months.
- Key differences and similarities between the groups were identified.
Conclusions:
- Dedicated support, skill-building, and consistent encouragement are crucial for social worker research endeavors.
- Agencies should implement targeted strategies to foster and sustain clinical research publication among practitioners.