Lea Tufford

Bracketing in Qualitative Research

Bracketing is a method used in qualitative research to mitigate the potentially deleterious effects of preconceptions that may taint the research process. However, the processes through which bracketing takes place are poorly understood, in part as a result of a shift away from its phenomenological origins. The current article examines the historical and philosophical roots of bracketing, and analyzes the tensions that have arisen since the inception of bracketing in terms of its definition, who brackets, methods of bracketing, and its timing in the research process. We propose a conceptual framework to advance dialogue around bracketing and to enhance its implementation.

Evaluating an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Adapted for Social Work

Objectives: To evaluate an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) adapted for social work in a lab course and examine the degree to which it predicts competence in the practicum. Method: 125 Masters students participated in a one-scenario OSCE and wrote responses to standardized reflection questions. OSCE performance and reflections were rated on previously standardized scales, competence in field was evaluated using the online practice-based evaluation. Results: A wide range of scores on OSCE scales indicate that differences in student competencies were captured. Correlational analyses revealed an association between OSCE scales and field final evaluations. Nevertheless, a number of students who performed poorly on the OSCE did well in the practicum. Conclusions: The OSCE method of evaluation warrants cautious optimism and requires further replication and adaptation for social work educational outcomes assessment.

Interprofessional Clinical Supervision in Mental Health and Addiction: Toward Identifying Common Elements

This study explores the experiences and perceptions of clinicians from a range of professions to articulate general principles for clinical supervision in mental health. Seventy-seven volunteer clinicians participated in 14 focus groups in 2008–2009. They discussed their perceptions about clinical supervision, facilitators, and barriers. Discussions were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim, and qualitative analytic methods were used to identify themes and exceptions. The study found frontline clinicians identified interacting factors they associated with quality clinical supervision. Themes related to the structure, content, and process of supervision and contained common elements across professions and those that were specific to nursing. Considerable agreement exists regarding principles for interprofessional supervision in mental health; that it is available on a regular and crisis-responsive basis, and that supervisors are expert in clinical interventions for specific populations and have the skills for teaching and supporting staff. Some nurse participants expressed unique perceptions about clinical supervision based on their professional traditions and approaches, which requires further study before advancing a common model of supervision across professions.

Conducting Research with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations: Navigating Research Ethics Board Reviews

The acceleration of research with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) populations amid existing sexual prejudice and advancing human rights leads to sometime conflicting stances between researchers and ethics boards over acceptable methodological practices. Ethics boards, charged with ensuring the safety of research participants, may engage in ostensibly protective stances regarding potential risks and informed consent that are unwittingly founded upon negative stereotypes of LGB populations. We examine four case studies that demonstrate divergent stances between researchers and ethics boards, researchers’ responses to ethics reviews and their resolution. Based on these cases, we describe themes and strategies for researchers working with LGB populations in responsibly navigating ethics board concerns.

Illuminating Students’ Pre-Practicum Conceptual and Emotional States: Implications for Field Education

Pre-practicum student reflections were studied using an Objective Standard Clinical Examination adapted for social work. One hundred and nine students conducted simulated interviews and immediately wrote answers to reflective questions. Reflections were studied using descriptive qualitative methodology. Three patterns emerged: students rely primarily on their personal and/or professional experience rather than theoretical knowledge; they are easily emotionally dysregulated by intense client emotions; and they benefit from active learning to prepare for practicum. Implications for social work education include greater emphasis on simulated interview practice, explicit attention to assisting students in regulating their affective responses, and actively gauging student readiness for practicum.

Research Note--A Pilot Cyber Counseling Course in a Graduate Social Work Program.

Cyber counseling is a new and growing medium for offering mental health services to children and youth. However, there is a lack of identification of the core competencies required to provide effective online counseling. A school of social work, in partnership with a national service agency providing online counseling to children and youth, developed and offered a 13-week course to participating MSW social work students and agency staff. The development of online counseling competencies was assessed through individual interviews with participants and a content analysis of online posts. Participants scored well in areas of assessment and intervention. Challenges were identified in relationship building within an online environment. This research was funded by Bell Canada.

Repairing Alliance Ruptures in the Mandatory Reporting of Child Maltreatment: Perspectives From Social Work

Mandatory reporting of child maltreatment presents a challenging clinical issue for social workers who find themselves obligated to report the maltreatment while managing an often discordant therapeutic alliance with the family. The betrayal and anger felt by families following the report may result in the discontinuation of treatment or negatively impact further clinical work. Registered social workers participated in an online survey examining how they maintain the therapeutic alliance in the face of mandatory reporting. Results showed numerous strategies employed before and following the disclosure of reportable material. Practice principles for clinicians are suggested.

Social Work Practice in Nursing Homes: Creativity, Leadership, and Program Development, by Julie Sahlins

An MSW from Simmons College and 20 years of nursing home social work experience form the foundation for Julie Sahlins’ reflective, at times nostalgic, and practical book focusing on the professional role of the nursing home social worker. Sahlins’ credibility and depth of experience in nursing home social work are visible in each chapter. With a colloquial style of writing interspersed with humor (nursing home social workers may have to occasionally still look for lost dentures as part of their role), the book offers an easy read. At the outset, Sahlins provides an interesting historical account of the development of long-term care in America from the colonial period to the present day, as well as the overwhelming economic force of managed care that impacts nursing home practice and the introduction of the social worker into nursing homes. She then devotes a chapter to new approaches to nursing home social work and exhorts the social worker to view the care facility, itself, as a client, in addition to the individual residents within the facility. Regarding the facility as client is innovative and challenges the nursing home social worker to look beyond the individual resident. The conceptual framework provided within this chapter is a testimony to the complexity of the modern nursing home and where social work fits within this framework. Although Sahlins denotes social work as being influenced by many factors, including dietary, nursing, and rehabilitation, she does not include administration; however, if the social worker is to regard the facility as a client, one would suppose the administration to be an influencing factor. Sahlins then proceeds to spend several chapters on various programs for residents (reminiscence, life review, arts-based, residents’ council, specialized groups such as low vision), programs for staff (sensitivity training), programs for families (family council, family support groups), and specific programs (memorial tea services, remembrance tables, caring hearts programs). Case examples and transcripts of group sessions punctuate these chapters and offer suggestions to manage situations common to nursing home programs, such as loneliness and regret. Sahlins provides readers interested in further information on these programs with current references,

Healing the pain of infertility through poetry

The experience of infertility can lead to individual emotional distress and problematic relationships. The acts of writing and reading poetry on this issue serve to synthesize and release intense emotions including loss, betrayal, frustration, and anger. The author chose to examine a number of themes both within and across poems that appeared poignant in their relationship to infertility: womens bodies, social obligations, feeling like an outsider, grief, relationship deterioration, and resolution.

Reporting suspected child maltreatment: Managing the emotional and relational aftermath

ABSTRACT Social workers who report suspected child maltreatment often struggle with the potential consequences to the client–worker relationship. Families who are reported may have intense feelings and reactions that can lead to premature termination or a compromised relationship that interferes with optimal treatment. This article explores Ontario social workers’ retrospective evaluations of the impact of reporting suspected child maltreatment. Participants described a range of feelings, reactions, and impacts to the therapeutic relationship and clinical work. The subjective appraisals, obtained through an online survey, lead to practice recommendations.