Response to Colleagues

Top of Form

Analysis of How to Apply New Knowledge and Skills Related to Research & Evaluation

When working as a therapist in an outpatient clinic, it is vital to stay informed about clients' needs and evidence-based interventions proven to be helpful for them.  I will advocate for the assessment of ongoing clients' needs within my agency, and implementation of best practices.  Ongoing information will be gained through evaluations involving review of peer-reviewed journal articles and documentation of client progress; individual and group questionnaires; interviews; satisfaction surveys; face-to-face interviews; and outcomes assessment tools determined appropriate for the type of information sought at pre-treatment, regularly agreed-upon intervals throughout treatment, and post-treatment (termination, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months).  Summative evaluations will help determine whether or not the intervention reached its goals by making an impact in the participants' lives; and formative evaluations will help with planning a new program or improving an existing one (Dudley, 2014).  Addressing client needs and providing best practices is essential for achieving future goals of being an effective clinician.

Reference:

Dudley, J.R. (2014). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do. (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.

Bottom of Form