The Transferability of Family Assessment Tools between Countries: Reflections on the Intervention Research Approach

Abstract

This paper illustrates the practical implementation of intervention research when adapting a family assessment tool between countries. Developing countries such as South Africa are emphasising the indigenisation of practices to ensure applicable theories and practices when addressing unique societal contexts or challenges. New social work technology can be developed using the process of intervention research. This paper analyses the application of intervention research using the social constructionism paradigm in addressing the research problem of how a family assessment tool can be transferred from one country to another, with the main focus being on feedback and the application of this method by the researchers. Forty‐six social workers were trained in the use of the assessment tool, and feedback on the adaptation of the tool was gathered during focus group discussions on various occasions. Results indicate the importance of contextualising the tool within the context of specific countries to ensure relevancy and applicability, especially among different racial and cultural groups, as well as to ensure that the relevant stakeholders are consulted in the development of new technology. Intervention research ensures a rigorous research process to adapt existing technology to a local context. Key Practitioner Messages Intervention research is an appropriate approach in adapting tools from one context to another. Focus group discussion enhances the ability of practitioners to jointly construct practice realities. The applicability of assessment tools is enhanced by widely consulting with practitioners.

Broader Concepts of Safeguarding: To Teach, Nurture, Care and Protect

“…The first, by Marianne Strydom and Ulene Schiller (), describes the adaptation of the Family Assessment for Least Developed Countries for use in South Africa – a very different context from those for which the tool was first developed. Strydom and Schiller used a process of intervention research to ensure that practitioners were fully involved in the adaptation process and able to address the unique societal contexts and challenges in two areas of the country.…”

A qualitative study of a recovery capital assessment tool in alcohol and drug treatment facilities: Perspectives from social work professionals

“…The evidence from existing studies of the applicability of assessment tools is that applicability and transferability are complex ( Burchett et al, 2018 ; Cambon et al, 2012 ; Strydom & Schiller, 2019 ), and that there are different ways to understand applicability and replication ( Burchett et al, 2018 ). Burchett et al (2018) argue that a tool or intervention can be adapted, and to some extent altered, to fit the context in which it is being implemented without changing its key mechanisms or basic concepts.…”

To exit or not to exit: Evaluating a case management pathway in a Global South context to decrease service dependency

“…Those who do discuss the double bind of generating a system that works within complex environments, compounded by the impact of globalization where the gaps between economic growth and social problems are widening and where local contexts, values and knowledge may not be valued (Tsui & Yan, 2010). Strydom and Schiller (2019) argued that social, political, and cultural contexts are important for ensuring applicability and relevance when transferring tools across different cultural and ethnic groups. Yet, avoiding the privilege of Western paradigms is both difficult and challenging.…”