Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice.
Research is an important tool in guiding social workers to utilize best practices and be well informed on knowledge that will indicate how best to care for clients and identify the needs of clients. This will provide guidance on how best to advocate for them. Research will allow me to stay informed of the changes that affect the individuals, families, communities, and nation. The knowledge I gain will be utilized to educate my clients on aspects of mental health as well as individuals in my personal life in the hopes that I will reduce stigma associated with mental health.
4.1 – Critically review current research on evidence based and contemporary best practices to improve practice, policy, and programs.
Course Evidence:
In my policy class, my group reviewed research on the prevalence of opioid addiction and conducted a needs assessment in order to determine the needs of the community in relation to opioid addiction. Through this research, we were able to determine successful intervention methods for the treatment of opioid addiction. Click Policy Plan Form to see this project.
In my diagnostics class, I learned criteria for certain diagnoses. We watched videos of clients presenting with various symptoms of various diagnosis. This helped me to diagnose appropriately.
I wrote a Literature Review on the impact of aging out of the foster care system has on those children. Click New Organization Proposal Plan to see this Literature Review.
Field Evidence:
While interning at the Crisis center, I reviewed research on existing protocols in place for people in crisis during travel via plane, bus, or other means of public transportation. The purpose of this research was to learn more humane, effective alternatives such as de-escalation techniques. I critically reviewed research on crisis intervention, suicide, how psychosis affects the brain, recovery rates of suicide, CBT, transtheoretical model, motivational interviewing, avoidance, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, various diagnosis and co morbidity. I used my experience in practice to inform intervention.
My supervisor gave me the task of finding statistics for prevalence of mental illness for victims post sex trafficked. Click research to see my findings.
I critically reviewed research on crisis intervention, suicide, how psychosis affects the brain, recovery rates of suicide, CBT, transtheoretical model, motivational interviewing, avoidance, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, various diagnosis and co morbidity. I used my experience in practice to inform intervention.
In class we learned that research shows that cold water DBT and opposite action DBT is effective in elevating mood and can life someone out of a crisis state. I tried cold water DBT and opposite action DBT on myself and shared my experience with my clients to encourage them to utilize these tools. Click here to see research on the effectiveness of cold water DBT.
My experience afforded me the ability to properly diagnose clients as I saw the presentation of symptoms when a client is not receiving treatment. I gained skills and knowledge in what the symptoms look like unmedicated.
4.2 – Conduct and disseminate research that responds to social work practice needs and uses ethical, culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive strategies to advance the purposes of social work.
Course Evidence:
For my program development class, I conducted research on successful prevention methods for reducing or preventing bullying in schools. Conducting this research provided a beneficial learning opportunity in that I learned that through research, there is the ability to find solutions to problems that have been proven to be effective. Click Needs Assessment and Program Proposal Plan to see this project. In my Advanced Clinical Practice course, my group and I created a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intervention with mindfulness activities in a mock group therapy session.
Field Evidence:
At my internship, I performed a qualitative study by observing the interactions between staff and clients. I learned how crucial it is for the client to have a positive, therapeutic experience, especially in times of crisis. This is crucial in encouraging the client to seek help and feel validated in knowing that is the right thing to do. I observed that when a client has an adverse experience, they are less apt to seek help and more stigmatized in regards to being at a mental health facility for treatment. I utilized available evidence when making practice decisions.
Knowledge: Knowledge gained from my Diagnostics course and Mental Health emphasis course were utilized for this area. I utilized knowledge of qualitative research to examine quality of care received by clients at the walk in center. In my Program Development course, I reviewed research that I can use to evaluate the effectiveness of various bullying intervention strategies. Knowledge on how research is conducted properly and of evidence based practices were valuable in guiding me through this competency.
Values: In working with my group members for these assignments, I used values such as ethics, integrity, competence, empathy, social justice for my fellow group members as well as the clients we serve.
Skills: These competencies allowed me to use skills of empathy, critical thinking, collaboration, time management, adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics, communication, professionalism, leadership, organization and problem solving.
Cognitive: For these tasks I brainstormed to use critical thinking skills and problem solving to determine possible solutions to problems. I stayed mindful of biases and stigma associated with mental health. Comparing client needs with knowledge of interventions helped me to determine the best course of action for the client. I used my research methods skills to analyze need for improvement of care clients receive in the walk in center.
Affective: For these tasks, I had to discern and organize the information in order to be thorough in forming a program plan. I had to search and review research while integrating knowledge of everything I have learned in class.
Theoretical foundations: I referred to rational choice theory because it is based on the concept that rational actions lead people to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. In my program development plan, I had to thoroughly examine the risks and benefits of the program we selected.