D Rodell | PubMed Health

PubMed1992

Research in social work practice: benefits of and obstacles to implementation in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Although research is an important part of social work practice in health care, there is little systematic information that sheds light on research productivity, the benefits of conducting research, or the obstacles that must be overcome. This article represents the viewpoints of nearly all the directors of social services departments in the largest multihospital system in the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs. The organizational characteristics of hospitals and the attitudes of the directors about research were important correlates of research productivity. Although lack of time, resources, and interest were cited as common obstacles, more than one-third of the departments were conducting or involved in at least one study. Information about the research efforts of other social services departments was considered an important resource, particularly for departments with no ongoing studies. The implications of these findings for social work research in health care are discussed.

Attitude↗

PubMed1987

Patient education needs assessment: constructing a generic guide.

A National Veterans Administration Multidisciplinary Task Force was developed to facilitate the comprehensive assessment of individual patient education needs. A review of literature was done for existing assessment instruments. Although the literature clearly stated the importance of patient assessment, no comprehensive tool could be found. This article describes the process by which the Task Force developed and tested a comprehensive guide to assist staff members in individual patient education assessment. Four target conditions were identified and used throughout the development process to assure that it was applicable to a variety of patient populations. The Task Force identified possible barriers to action for each of the conditions, and then developed questions to assess each barrier. Questions were refined through role plays and extensive review nationally. The guide was then pilot tested in 3 Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Centers. Changes were made based upon the results. The guide has been distributed within the VA for 2 primary purposes: As a basis for staff training regarding actual assessment, and as a guide for staff who assess patient education needs. An evaluation is planned for Spring 1987.

District of Columbia↗