Direct observation in practice: co-developing an evidence-informed practice tool to assess social work communication

IF 1.4 Q2 SOCIAL WORK Journal of Childrens Services Pub Date : 2020-08-03 DOI:10.1108/jcs-08-2019-0043
D. Westlake, L. Stabler, J. Mcdonnell
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引用次数: 1

Abstract

Purpose This paper presents findings from a project that aimed to support social work managers to observe, evaluate and give feedback on social work practice skills. Approach An embedded team of researchers observed over 300 meetings between parents and social workers, and gave feedback based on an established research instrument that facilitated quantitative coding of individual skills such as empathy and purposefulness. Then managers took on this task in order to sustain ongoing feedback on practice skills beyond the timescale of the project. Findings A practice tool was successfully developed to take the place of the research instrument and aid managers in these observations, and it was implemented across a range of social work settings. The tool was used in a variety of ways by different managers which highlighted a range of views on what constitutes good practice. This raises questions about how far authorities can (or should) expect to achieve a consensus about the type of practice they want to deliver. Research limitations/implications The value of this project is primarily pragmatic, in that it shows the potential for using research to develop practice tools collaboratively. However, in doing so it brings into focus key questions around the nature of good practice. Practical implications The paper presents a practice tool, based on an established research instrument that was co-developed with senior managers. It is an aid for observation that practitioners and managers can use to support practice development. Originality/value Few research studies have worked so closely with practice managers to develop a tool that can be used to support practice. The project also highlights the crucial and neglected role of observation in practice development.
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实践中的直接观察:共同开发评估社会工作沟通的循证实践工具
本研究旨在协助社会工作管理人员观察、评估及反馈社会工作实务技能。一个嵌入式研究团队观察了家长和社会工作者之间的300多次会议,并根据一种既定的研究工具给出了反馈,该工具有助于对个人技能(如同理心和目的性)进行定量编码。然后,经理们承担了这项任务,以便在项目的时间范围之外保持对实践技能的持续反馈。我们成功地开发了一种实践工具来代替研究工具,帮助管理人员进行这些观察,并在一系列社会工作环境中实施。不同的管理人员以不同的方式使用了这个工具,突出了关于什么是良好实践的一系列观点。这就提出了一个问题,即当局能够(或应该)在多大程度上就他们想要提供的实践类型达成共识。这个项目的价值主要是实用的,因为它显示了使用研究来协作开发实践工具的潜力。然而,在这样做的过程中,它使围绕良好实践的本质的关键问题成为焦点。本文提出了一个实践工具,基于一个既定的研究工具,是与高级管理人员共同开发的。它是一种观察的辅助工具,从业者和管理者可以使用它来支持实践的发展。独创性/价值很少有研究与实践管理者如此密切地合作,以开发可用于支持实践的工具。该项目还强调了观察在实践发展中的关键和被忽视的作用。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
2.90
自引率
0.00%
发文量
14
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