-
Journal of Evidence-informed Social Work 2015The purpose of the author in this systematic psychometric review includes: providing social work researchers, educators, and administrators with a summary of descriptive... (Review)
Review
The purpose of the author in this systematic psychometric review includes: providing social work researchers, educators, and administrators with a summary of descriptive psychometric information pertaining to scales which measure social workers' beliefs about research and social work practice, evaluating chronological changes in psychometric/statistical methodology, and summarizing the role current and future scale development efforts have in improving the use of evidence-based social work practice. Using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, electronic databases and reference lists of included studies were reviewed and coded for methodological and psychometric properties. Seventeen studies satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eleven unique scales measuring social worker beliefs regarding research and social work practice were identified. The majority of scales and subscales had Cronbach's alphas that exceeded .70. Most of the scales had evidence of content, factorial, construct, and/or criterion validity. Strategies for improving psychometric research and implications for evidence-based social work practice are discussed.
Topics: Culture; Evidence-Based Practice; Humans; Psychometrics; Research; Social Work; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 25661901
DOI: 10.1080/15433714.2013.820676 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Jun 2022Finding and accessing social services and community resources are a challenge for stroke survivors and care partners. The purpose of this systematic review was to...
PURPOSE
Finding and accessing social services and community resources are a challenge for stroke survivors and care partners. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and review interventions that aimed to increase access and use of such services and resources post stroke.
METHOD
A systematic review of the published literature was performed using MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health (January 2008 to May 2020). Studies were included if they were quantitative designs and reported on outcomes of interventions addressing post-stroke access to social services or community resources. Results were synthesised narratively.
RESULTS
3566 titles and abstracts were reviewed. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. The interventions included in this review varied in terms of target group, timing, and type of support provided (passive or active tailored information provision, referral service, navigation assistance). Outcome measures, for social service and community resource access, included discharge preparedness measures, service counts, observations, satisfaction evaluations, interviews, and open-ended questions.
CONCLUSION
Overall, interventions demonstrated some improvements in information received and access to social services and community resources following stroke. Future research should focus on carrying out high quality studies that examine the effectiveness of various social service and community resource interventions, and on setting valid and reliable outcome measures.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONStroke survivors and care partners have unmet social service and community resource needs.Stroke survivors and care partners can benefit from interventions that provide information, referrals, and ongoing support to access services and resources.Clearly identifying social service and community resource needs is important for tailoring interventions to individual situations.Interventions should ideally be provided throughout the hospital stay, in acute care and rehabilitation, and continue on in the community.
Topics: Community Resources; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Social Work; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Survivors
PubMed: 33280453
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1851780 -
The Clinical Teacher Oct 2022Teleconsultation education in health care and social work education is under-reported. However, literature indicates that educating the workforce in teleconsultation...
INTRODUCTION
Teleconsultation education in health care and social work education is under-reported. However, literature indicates that educating the workforce in teleconsultation skills is essential to continue with safe, high-quality delivery of services and increases the likelihood of implementing teleconsultations in health care. Training for students should, therefore, be encouraged. This systematic literature review aims to investigate global experiences of teleconsultation training in undergraduate health care and social work education.
METHODS
A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was undertaken. The review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Electronic databases were searched for eligible evidence. Studies were included only if they described and evaluated teleconsultation education for undergraduate health care and social work students.
RESULTS/DISCUSSION
This review shows that mandatory education in teleconsultation is limited in undergraduate health care and social work education. Narrative synthesis and analysis of 14 studies led to the development of two themes: pedagogical aspects, and perspectives on telecommunication and teleconsultation learning and teaching. Practical experiences with simulated patients or during clinical placements with real patients were the most common mode of delivery. Feedback on teleconsultation education was generally positive; overall, health care students felt more confident using teleconsultation and valued safety of learning through simulation.
CONCLUSION
Teleconsultation education is a legitimate way to expose students to telehealth. High satisfaction rates, increased knowledge and confidence in use indicate the positive impact this learning has on students. Nevertheless, further high-quality research and guidance for educators are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Learning; Remote Consultation; Social Support; Students
PubMed: 35898157
DOI: 10.1111/tct.13519 -
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine Oct 2023Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are integrated services involving doctors, paramedics, nurses, and social workers. This research was carried out to synthesize the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are integrated services involving doctors, paramedics, nurses, and social workers. This research was carried out to synthesize the evidence concerning social work roles for EMS. The aim of this study was to synthesize literature on the social worker's role in EMS settings.
METHODS
The study was a systematic review. Data were collected through selected databases. The researcher used Scopus, Sociology Database, Social Science Database, and Public Health Database related to EMS and social work settings. English papers were selected, without restrictions on publication time, place, and year. The searched keywords were: "Social Work AND Emergency Medical Services AND Ambulance Services," "Social Worker AND Emergency Medical Systems AND Ambulance Services," "Social Work AND EMS," "Social Worker AND EMS," "Social Work OR Social Worker," "Social Work Role AND EMS," Social Worker AND EMS," "Emergency Medical Services OR/AND Emergency Medical Systems."
RESULTS
The study synthesized the literature about the social work role in pre-EMS, during emergency, and post-EMS. The following themes were highlighted: social workers act as cultural liaisons, effective communicators, emergency workers, and mental health practitioners, collaborating with other disciplines and researchers, for this study. In pre-emergency stages, social workers have roles as educators, communicators, advocates, and awareness builders. During an emergency, social workers act as search and rescue workers, advocates, facilitators, networkers, psychosocial assessors, consultants, counselors, and liaisons for referral activities. And in the post-emergency period, social workers have roles as planners, liaisons, interdisciplinary collaborators, researchers, evaluators, and individuals responsible for follow up.
CONCLUSION
This study synthesizes the roles of social workers in EMS settings. It is the first study on this topic, aiming to produce new knowledge, evidence, and an EMS practice framework for the social worker.
Topics: Humans; Emergency Medical Services; Social Work; Mental Health; Ambulances
PubMed: 37525489
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X23006143 -
BMC Public Health Nov 2019Youth often experience unique pathways into homelessness, such as family conflict, child abuse and neglect. Most research has focused on adult homeless populations, yet...
BACKGROUND
Youth often experience unique pathways into homelessness, such as family conflict, child abuse and neglect. Most research has focused on adult homeless populations, yet youth have specific needs that require adapted interventions. This review aims to synthesize evidence on interventions for youth and assess their impacts on health, social, and equity outcomes.
METHODS
We systematically searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and other databases from inception until February 9, 2018 for systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials on youth interventions conducted in high income countries. We screened title and abstract and full text for inclusion, and data extraction were completed in duplicate, following the PRISMA-E (equity) review approach.
RESULTS
Our search identified 11,936 records. Four systematic reviews and 18 articles on randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Many studies reported on interventions including individual and family therapies, skill-building, case management, and structural interventions. Cognitive behavioural therapy led to improvements in depression and substance use, and studies of three family-based therapies reported decreases in substance use. Housing first, a structural intervention, led to improvements in housing stability. Many interventions showed inconsistent results compared to services as usual or other interventions, but often led to improvements over time in both the intervention and comparison group. The equity analysis showed that equity variables were inconsistently measured, but there was data to suggest differential outcomes based upon gender and ethnicity.
CONCLUSIONS
This review identified a variety of interventions for youth experiencing homelessness. Promising interventions include cognitive behavioural therapy for addressing depression, family-based therapy for substance use outcomes, and housing programs for housing stability. Youth pathways are often unique and thus prevention and treatment may benefit from a tailored and flexible approach.
Topics: Adolescent; Case Management; Child; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Depression; Ethnicity; Family Relations; Family Therapy; Ill-Housed Persons; Homeless Youth; Housing; Humans; Mental Health; Psychotherapy; Sex Factors; Social Work; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 31727031
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7856-0 -
Midwifery Jan 2018to identify what skin practices are important for the protection of baby skin in healthy term babies (0-6 months) and generate evidence-based conclusions to inform... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
to identify what skin practices are important for the protection of baby skin in healthy term babies (0-6 months) and generate evidence-based conclusions to inform health professionals and parents.
DESIGN
eleven databases were searched for all empirical quantitative and qualitative research published between 2000-2015 which explored baby skin care for bathing and cleansing, nappy care, hair and scalp care, management of dry skin or baby massage, for healthy term babies up to 6 months old. Papers not published in English were excluded. A total of 3062 papers were identified. Pairs of reviewers assessed all citations and extracted data independently. There were 26 included papers: 16 RCTs, 3 non-randomised experimental studies, 1 mixed-methods study and 6 qualitative studies. Primary and secondary outcome measures were analysed using meta-analysis or narrative descriptive statistics. Synthesis of qualitative data was not possible due to disparity of the evidence.
FINDINGS
from the small numbers of studies with comparable data, there was no evidence of any significant differences between tested wash products and water or tested baby wipes and water. There was some evidence to suggest that daily use of full-body emollient therapy may help to reduce the risk of atopic eczema in high risk babies with a genetic predisposition to eczema; however, the use of olive oil or sunflower oil for baby dry skin may adversely affect skin barrier function. There was no evidence about hair/scalp care or baby massage. Qualitative research indicates that parents and health professionals believe that water alone is best.
KEY CONCLUSIONS
meta-analysis was restricted due to the lack of consistency of study outcome measures. Although there is considerable RCT evidence comparing the use of specific products against water alone, or another product, for bathing, cleansing and nappy care, the power of this evidence is reduced due to inconsistency of outcome measures in terms of outcome, treatment site or time-point. The development of a core outcome measure set is advocated for trials assessing skin care practices.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
this review offers health professionals best evidence available on which to base their advice. Of those studies with comparative outcomes, the evidence indicates no difference between the specific products tested and water alone; offering parents a choice in their baby skin care regimen. Protocol available: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPEROFILES/28054_PROTOCOL_20151009.pdf.
Topics: Baths; Female; Hair; Humans; Infant; Infant Care; Infant, Newborn; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pregnancy; Skin Care
PubMed: 29055852
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.10.001 -
PloS One 2023Social work plays an important role in the assessment and treatment of people with acquired brain injury. Acquired brain injury is a complex and highly prevalent...
Social work plays an important role in the assessment and treatment of people with acquired brain injury. Acquired brain injury is a complex and highly prevalent condition which can impact on cognitive, emotional and social domains. As acquired brain injury is a hidden disability it can be misdiagnosed or classified as another condition entirely. We sought to systematically explore the evidence base to examine how social workers have been prepared to work with their clients with brain injury. Employing six electronic databases (Social Policy & Practice, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus) we reviewed 1071 papers. After applying eligibility criteria 17 papers were included in this review. We utilised standardised data extraction and quality appraisal tools to assess all included papers. Following appraisal, 9 papers were judged as possessing high methodological quality whilst 8 were judged as medium. Employing narrative synthesis, we identified four themes which captured the key findings of these papers. Themes were named as (i) advocacy and social work (ii) training and multidisciplinary team working (iii) inclusion of social networks and (iv) societal barriers. In order to meet their statutory responsibilities to practice safely, social workers must receive training in how to identify ABI and develop understanding of its consequences and subsequent need for provision. Social workers are also in a unique position to advocate for their clients and should make every effort to ensure their needs are met.
Topics: Humans; Social Workers; Social Work; Employment; Brain Injuries
PubMed: 37948455
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292128 -
Journal of Evidence-based Social Work... Nov 2023This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize the available evidence on the receptivity toward, perceived advantages and challenges of remote service delivery...
PURPOSE
This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize the available evidence on the receptivity toward, perceived advantages and challenges of remote service delivery among social work clients and practitioners during the context of COVID-19.
METHOD
Two electronic databases were searched from 2020 to 2022. Identified papers were screened against the established eligibility criteria, yielding 15 papers. Two additional papers were further identified through hand-search. As heterogeneity of studies was high, a narrative synthesis was performed to summarize the overall evidence.
RESULTS
Our review provides evidence that remote service delivery holds the potential to increase access to services among selected client populations as well as promote a sense of empowerment for clients and opportunities for practice enhancement for practitioners.
DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION
The findings from our study highlighted the need for innovative solutions and practical considerations for ongoing remote service, including the careful considerations of social work clients' and practitioners' suitability, the need for provision of training and ongoing support to optimize practitioners' well-being. As the delivery of services transition to face-to-face or remain remote, further research is needed to assess the promise of remote practice in optimizing overall service delivery, while maintaining client-reported satisfaction.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Social Work; Population Groups
PubMed: 37401444
DOI: 10.1080/26408066.2023.2228791 -
Health & Social Care in the Community Jan 2018The prevalence of complex health and social needs in primary care patients is growing. Furthermore, recent research suggests that the impact of psychosocial distress on... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of complex health and social needs in primary care patients is growing. Furthermore, recent research suggests that the impact of psychosocial distress on the significantly poorer health outcomes in this population may have been underestimated. The potential of social work in primary care settings has been extensively discussed in both health and social work literature and there is evidence that social work interventions in other settings are particularly effective in addressing psychosocial needs. However, the evidence base for specific improved health outcomes related to primary care social work is minimal. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the available evidence on the health benefits of social work interventions in primary care settings. Nine electronic databases were searched from 1990 to 2015 and seven primary research studies were retrieved. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Although there is no definitive evidence for effectiveness, results suggest a promising role for primary care social work interventions in improving health outcomes. These include subjective health measures and self-management of long-term conditions, reducing psychosocial morbidity and barriers to treatment and health maintenance. Although few rigorous study designs were found, the contextual detail and clinical settings of studies provide evidence of the practice applicability of social work intervention. Emerging policy on the integration of health and social care may provide an opportunity to develop this model of care.
Topics: Adult; Community Participation; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Interprofessional Relations; Needs Assessment; Primary Health Care; Professional Role; Social Work
PubMed: 27059167
DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12337 -
Journal of Evidence-based Social Work... Nov 2023The purpose of this systematic review is to fill the gap in a critical understanding of peer-reviewed empirical research on self-care practices to identify structural,...
PURPOSE
The purpose of this systematic review is to fill the gap in a critical understanding of peer-reviewed empirical research on self-care practices to identify structural, relational, and individual-level facilitators and barriers to self-care practices in social work.
METHOD
We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis for this systematic review of peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative empirical research articles focusing on self-care in social work among adult social work practitioners and students.
RESULTS
Twenty-one articles related to empirical studies of self-care were identified in the systematic review process with samples of social work practitioners ( = 15), social work students ( = 3), and social work educators ( = 3).
DISCUSSION
Social workers engaged in self-care practices are more likely to be healthy, work less, be White, and have higher socioeconomic professional status and privilege, indicating current conceptualizations of self-care may not be accessible and contextually and culturally relevant for many social workers.
CONCLUSION
Overwhelmingly, results indicated social workers reporting greater sociostructural, economic, professional, and physical health privilege engaged in more self-care. No articles directly assessed institutional factors that may drive distress among social workers and clients. Rather, self-care was framed as a personal responsibility without integration of feminized and racialized inequities in a sociopolitical and historical context. Such framings may replicate rather than redress unsustainable inequities experienced by social workers and clients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Self Care; Social Work; Social Workers; Students; Occupational Therapy
PubMed: 37394999
DOI: 10.1080/26408066.2023.2231446