BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH AND PRACTICE: AN INSERVICE PROGRAM.
Item
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Title
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BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH AND PRACTICE: AN INSERVICE PROGRAM.
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Identifier
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AAI8629740
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identifier
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8629740
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Creator
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SIMON, ELLEN PERLMAN.
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Contributor
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Irwin Epstein
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Date
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1986
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work
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Abstract
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This was an exploratory study based on an in-service training program designed by the author. The program was implemented twice, with the purpose of determining whether it could increase the interest and involvement of social work practitioners in research-related activities.;A review of the literature substantiated the generally held notion that most social workers who are in clinical practice show little interest in research. Furthermore, those social workers in the field who are motivated to undertake research are often hampered by doubts about their ability in that area.;The in-service program that is the subject of this dissertation was implemented in 1983 and again in 1984 at a large voluntary long-term care hospital that is affiliated with a renowned medical center. A total of 22 clinicians enrolled in the two cycles of the program. Each cycle consisted of five 1 1/2 hour seminar sessions led by the author, followed by five private consultation sessions in which the author helped each participant plan and execute a research project. The seminar sessions combined didactic lectures with group discussion of research techniques and of specific research studies.;It is clear that the program strengthened the participants' confidence in their ability to understand and to perform research. Many of the participants actually undertook and completed projects they had previously avoided. Among the tangible results of the program was a proposal that brought the hospital the first federal grant in its 65-year history.;The project is intended as a model of how research can be incorporated into a social work setting. In general, this type of program seems useful for practitioners who are unsure or resistant about integrating research and practice. It teaches skills by means of an incremental approach, uses material related to actual practice, and, with the support of a mentor, helps participants overcome anxiety. As an in-service program--occurring at the work place during work hours with the support of the administration--it encourages social workers to perceive research as an integral part of their work activities.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
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Program
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Social Work
