Evaluation is the final competency that emphasizes the ongoing process of evaluating our intervention and assessment methods on behalf of our clients, families, groups, organizations and communities. Recognizing the importance of evaluation allows us to view the process and outcomes to advance not only our practice, but policy and service as well. As Social Workers we use qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluative effectiveness, allowing us to improve our delivery.
9.1: In my field placement at Parkridge Valley, I was able to follow patients in their care plan and evaluate how the care plan was working. As previously mentioned in competency 4, I met with the treatment team and we would evaluate the care plan of every patient in the hospital and what was the status on each individual patient. If the patient was discharging, I was then able to go over the care plan, make sure needs were met, and finally make sure that all appointments were made for after-care for each individual patient. I demonstrated competency of this practice behavior here. I was able to demonstrate integrity and responsibility throughout the process. I also used the skill of reviewing and assessing the individual making their needs were met.
In my coursework, I was able to transcribe my 20 minute CBT final video. In this I was able to use the skills of critical thinking to make corrections to my practice and skills of summarizing, reflecting, and active listening. Once again, the theoretical foundation I used for this was systems theory and person in environment theory. Both of these suggest that a person is influences by the situation and environment that they are in. It also suggests that many factors play a part in a person’s life like the things around them. It also states that we are able to understand the individual more by the environment that influences them.
9.2: In my field placement at Parkridge Valley Adult and Senior Campus I was able to make a post test for the patients that evaluated the current program at Parkridge Valley. This questionnaire was made up of give questions that included assessing decreased symptoms of patients and if their needs had been met at the program. The last question highlighted any recommendations that could be useful for the current program. The skills here utilized were organization and gathering data and responses. All individuals identified to have decreased their symptoms upon leaving Parkridge Valley, however many recommendations were made for the inpatient group program at the facility.
In my coursework I was able to create an evaluation plan. This evaluation plan has three surveys focused on different things. the first is focused on identifying if needs were being met and all the benefits, consequences, and reactions to the participants involved in the program. The next survey was for the staff and focusing on evaluating if participants were being reached and services were being delivered. The next surveys were done at the end of a program evaluating the success of the program and what needed to be different. Here are examples of the surveys. The skills being used in this was collaboration, critical thinking, and research,