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The challenge of practice based research: a group approach
N L Sidell1, P J Adams, L L Barnhart
1Social Work Services, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA.
Social Work in Health Care
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Social work clinicians can overcome research barriers by adopting a collaborative, practice-based approach. This method integrates research into daily practice, enhancing both clinical work and evidence generation.
Area of Science:
- Social Work
- Clinical Practice
- Healthcare Research
Background:
- Social work research is often neglected by direct practice clinicians due to discomfort or time constraints.
- Clinicians may feel unable to balance research demands with adequate client service.
- A gap exists in integrating research methodologies into routine clinical social work.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore a novel approach for integrating social work research into direct practice.
- To address the challenges faced by clinicians in engaging with research.
- To demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of practice-based research in social work.
Main Methods:
- A university teaching hospital's Social Work Services Department initiated a practice-based research program.
- A Research Committee was formed, utilizing internal expertise and external collaborations.
- A group approach was adopted, encouraging multiple individuals to conduct practice-based research.
Main Results:
- The collaborative, practice-based research model yielded numerous positive outcomes.
- Clinicians successfully integrated research activities with direct client services.
- Internal expertise and interprofessional collaboration facilitated research generation.
Conclusions:
- Combining direct practice and research is achievable through a structured, group-based approach.
- Practice-based research can be effectively implemented in social work settings.
- This model enhances the capacity for evidence generation within social work practice.