Developing Evidence–Based Generalist Practice Skills

An essential overview of the core skills needed by every social work practitioner

Developing Evidence–Based Generalist Practice Skills features contributions from top scholars in social work practice, presenting essential information for the ethical and effective practice of social work. This clearly written guide provides step–by–step guidance for using evidence–based practice to make joint decisions with clients about assessment and treatment options through a careful consideration of the best available research evidence, the client′s preferences and values, professional ethical standards, and other key issues.

Comprehensive and straightforward, this book addresses foundational practice skills expected of all social work practitioners, including:

Evidence–based practice Trauma–informed practice Interviewing skills Problem identification, contracting, and case planning Case management Advocacy Crisis intervention Practice evaluation Termination, stabilization, and continuity of care

Each chapter begins with an overarching question and "what if" scenarios, and ends with a set of suggested key terms, online resources, and discussion questions. Designed as a foundation–level social work education text for undergraduate and graduate students in social work programs, this book meets the Council on Social Work Education′s (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) for a thorough and up–to–date presentation of core social work skills featuring in–depth scholarship.

Preface xi

About the Editors xv

Contributors xvii

Chapter 1 Evidence–Informed Practice 1
Eileen Gambrill

What Is Evidence–Informed Practice? 2

Three Philosophies of Evidence–Based Practice 7

Different Kinds of Questions 8

Different Styles of Evidence–Based Practice 9

Examples of Evidence–Based Decision Making 10

Hallmarks and Implications of the Philosophy of Evidence–Based Practice and Care 11

Educational Implications 15

Controversies 16

Obstacles 17

Conclusion 18

Key Terms 19

Review Questions for Critical Thinking 19

Online Resources 20

References 20

Chapter 2 Trauma–Informed Practice 25
Nancy J. Smyth and Laura Greyber

Overview 25

Defining Trauma 26

Risk Factors 29

Social Work and Trauma 29

Assessment of Trauma 30

Interventions for Trauma 34

Key Terms 45

Review Questions for Critical Thinking 45

Online Resources 45

References 46

Chapter 3 Interviewing Skills 51
Francis J. Turner

Introduction 51

Definition 52

Interviewing as an Art 53

Interviewer Challenges 53

The Helping Relationship 54

Techniques or Values 55

An Ethical Issue 56

Interviewing Modalities 57

Other Interviewing Modalities 60

Use of Interpreters 62

The Interview Setting 63

Interviewing Techniques 65

Conclusion 66

Key Terms 66

Review Questions for Critical Thinking 67

Online Resources 67

References 67

Chapter 4 Problem Identification, Contracting, and Case Planning 69
Sophia F. Dziegielewski

Introduction 69

Historical Background 70

Importance of Evidence–Based Documentation Skills 71

Using Evidence–Based Principles in Problem Identification and Case Planning 75

Creating the Problem Statement 76

Measuring the Problem Behavior 77

Developing the Service or Case Plan 79

Recordkeeping and the Problem–Oriented Record 85

Conclusion 89

Key Terms 89

Review Questions for Critical Thinking 89

Online Resources 90

References 90

Chapter 5 Case Management 93
Valerie Holton and Joseph Walsh

Models of Case Management 94

Historical Background of Case Management 100

Summary of Current Evidence–Based Information on Case Management 105

Implications for Social Work on Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Levels 112

Limitations 114

Conclusion 114

Key Terms 115

Review Questions for Critical Thinking 115

Online Resources 115

References 116

Chapter 6 Advocacy 123
Malabika Misty Das, Cheryl Hiu–Kwan Chui, and Cecilia Lai–Wan Chan

Advocacy and Social Work 123

Definitions and Classifications 124

Creating Advocacy Culture 125

Advocacy in Clinical Social Work 128

Advocacy in Macro Social Work 130

Multimodal Strategies and Approaches 134

National and International Advocacy Movements 141

Conclusion 143

Key Terms 143

Review Questions for Critical Thinking 143

Online Resources 143

References 144

Chapter 7 Crisis Intervention 149
Kenneth R. Yeager, Albert R. Roberts, and Wendy Grainger

Introduction 149

Trends in Crisis Intervention 150

Prevalence and Impact of Emotional Trauma 150

Historical Background 154

Roberts s Seven–Stage Practice Model for Crisis Intervention 156

Summary of Current Evidence–Based and Informed Information on Crisis Intervention 160

Challenges in Implementing Evidence–Based Practice 165

Conclusion 169

Key Terms 170

Review Questions for Critical Thinking 170

Online Resources 170

References 171

Chapter 8 Practice Evaluation 177
Bruce A. Thyer

Brief Background 178

Evidence–Based Information on Practice Evaluation 179

Case Studies 181

The B Design 182

The AB Design 185

The ABA Design 186

The ABAB Design 188

Multiple Baseline Designs 188

Alternating Treatments Design 191

Is There a Hierarchy of Research Evidence? 193

Limitations of This Approach 195

Implications for Social Work on Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Levels 197

Conclusion 198

Key Terms 199

Review Questions for Critical Thinking 199

Online Resources 199

References 200

Chapter 9 Termination, Stabilization, and Continuity of Care 205
Samuel A. MacMaster and Sara Sanders

Historical Trends 206

A Broader Perspective on Service Delivery 206

Importance of Termination and Stabilization 209

Stabilization 211

Case Management, Brief Therapy, and Crisis Intervention 212

Conclusion 217

Key Terms 217

Review Questions for Critical Thinking 218

Online Resources 218

References 218

Author Index 223

Subject Index 231

BRUCE A. THYER, PhD, LCSW, is Professor and former dean of the College of Social Work at Florida State University. He is the founding and current editor of the bimonthly journal Research on Social Work Practice.

CATHERINE N. DULMUS, PhD, LCSW, is Professor, Associate Dean for Research, and Director of the Buffalo Center for Social Research in the School of Social Work at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, and Research Director at Hillside Family of Agencies in Rochester, New York.

KAREN M. SOWERS, PhD, is Dean and Beaman Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her research interests include juvenile justice, sexuality, social work education, child welfare, evidence–based practice, and international social work practice.