Developing a research unit within a hospital social work department

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Social Work in Healthcare
• Cancer Care Research

Background:

• Hospital social work departments can enhance practice through research integration.
• A 13-year experience in a cancer center provides a case study for establishing a research unit.
• Bridging the gap between clinical practice and research is crucial for social work advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment and evolution of a research unit within a hospital social work department.
• To outline methods for institutional support, unit initiation, and topic selection.
• To analyze the changing relationship between clinical and research staff.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a 13-year experience in a cancer center.
• Description of strategies for building institutional support and initiating a research unit.
• Qualitative assessment of the interaction between clinical and research staff, including a childhood bereavement project.

Main Results:

• The relationship between clinical and research staff evolved through four phases: curiosity, competitiveness, cooperation, and collaboration.
• Professional practice benefited from increased academic rigor and productivity.
• Some staff remained unconvinced of the value of the research unit.

Conclusions:

• Integrating a research unit into a hospital social work department can enhance professional practice.
• The process requires strategic planning, institutional support, and effective staff collaboration.
• Careful consideration of benefits and costs is necessary for sustained research integration.