A Framework for Teaching Practice-Based Research With a Focus on Service Users

Abstract

The integration of research and practice in social work education and agency practice is both complex and challenging. The analysis presented here builds upon the classic social work generalist framework (engagement, assessment, service planning and implementation, service evaluation, and termination) by developing a three-part framework to capture practice, research, and service user involvement. The article also includes a case vignette to illustrate the application of the framework. The evolution of practice-based research provides a venue for these integration issues, with special attention to the role played by service users. The analysis concludes with a series of questions to guide evolving practice and future research.

Do Research–Practice Partnerships Offer a Promising Approach to Producing Research that Improves Social Care Practice and Outcomes?

“…Capacity for practice organisations to use research involves developing roles or putting resource priorities in place that support partnership work and research-based decision-making (Henrick et al, 2017). For example, in a partnership between Helsinki, Finland Department of Social Services and two research institutes, it was senior management and funding support that enabled research social workers to be given released time or retained part-time whilst conducting research (Austin & Isokuortti, 2016).…”

People in Contact with Criminal Justice Systems Participating in Service Redesign: Vulnerable Citizens or Democratic Partners?

“…Our professional backgrounds mean we favour a UK social work perspective but it is not just in social work that citizen involvement is increasing (Tew et al, 2012;Bowers et al, 2016;Austin & Isokuortti, 2016); and not just in the UK (Duygulu & Abaan, 2013). However, the evidence in UK social work provides a grounding from which to develop wider practices and to understand the ways in which greater inclusion can be developed in authentic ways across countries and cultures.…”

Advancing Social Work Practice Research Education – An Innovative, Experiential Pedagogical Approach

“…They are encouraged to undertake empirical studies on research problems that have emerged in their professional practice. Social workers often bring a different perspective to research and are expected to integrate their understanding of practice modalities with their appreciation of research methods and to integrate the service user in research process (Austin & Isokuortti, 2016). Given the continuing interest in preparing future practitioners to integrate practice and research in order to become more research minded, and for researchers to become more practice minded (Austin, 2012, Epstein, 2009Shaw, Lee, & Wulczyn, 2012), practitioners will learn to become applied researchers.…”