Building Field Agencies' Capacity to Prepare Staff and Social Work Students for Evidence-Based Trauma Treatments

Abstract

Preparing MSW students to use an evidence-based approach to practice and implement empirically supported treatment protocols is imperative for social work education. Both classroom education and field experience are needed. Six schools of social work collaborated with field agencies to assist them in developing the capacity to implement evidence-based trauma treatments (EBTTs) and train social work students in these models. The study used a multisite, interrupted-time series design to assess organizational readiness to implement EBTTs at an agency. Faculty used the National Implementation Research Network implementation framework in their consultation with agencies. Findings from three agencies are used to explore the tasks in each implementation stage. Implications include the possibility of leveraging the motivation of field agencies to collaborate with schools of social work in order to implement evidence-based practice. Results also point to the relevance of using an implementation framework to guide capacity building.

Peer Support Groups: Evaluating a Culturally Grounded, Strengths-Based Approach for Work With Refugees

“…It is critical that evidence-based practice (EBP) be the centerpiece of the work with these populations. EBPs include a grounding in empirical evidence coupled with integration of the latest research evidence: a critical combination for effective treatment with clients who may have additionally experienced trauma (Strand, Popescu, Way, & Jones, 2017). The clubhouse model is a culturally sensitive, adaptable, and sustainable model that provides evidence for therapeutic efficacy.…”

Incorporating Evidence-Based Practice Into Informed Consent Practice

“…Many competencies, some newly added, are required to enact informed consent including EBP fully and meaningfully. More in depth, practice-based education in both informed consent and EBP will be required (Strand et al, 2017). Building skills and confidence in doing the EBP process, in methods for educating clients about the potential benefits and harms of treatments, and in ensuring that all clients understand the choices they are making in pursuing treatments will need new emphasis and enhancement.…”