In Search of Evidence-Informed Pedagogy for International Field Education: A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE: The authors examined the current state of available evidence to inform pedagogical practices for improving international field education. METHOD: The comprehensive search followed the PRISMA checklist for reviews. After outlining specific inclusion criteria, four syntax combinations were used to search five different search engines. RESULTS: The authors identified 17 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The articles included seven background/expert opinion (level VII), four case studies (level VI), and six cross-sectional cohort studies (level V). None of the articles examined pedagogical practices, compared competency outcomes with students in traditional field education, or used randomized control groups. DISCUSSION: The current state of the literature informing international field education is anecdotal and minimal. A shift is needed away from conceptual and descriptive research to evaluation of outcomes to enhance the available evidence. Research comparing outcomes between students in international field education with students in traditional field education is especially needed. CONCLUSION: Though hoping to find research to improve a program, the authors discovered an area of research in need of immediate attention.

The Characteristics of Effective Cancer Education Media Interventions among African Americans: A Systematic Review.

Cancer incidence and mortality is a significant area of health disparity between African Americans and Caucasians. In the current article the authors used a systematic review design to examine the characteristics of different cancer media education intervention (CMEI) to increase access to cancer screenings for African Americans within a 30 year period (1980-2010). Ten computerized databases were searched using inclusion-exclusion criteria. Consequently, 179 potential studies were identified, and later reduced to 41 eligible studies through the inclusion-exclusion criteria. The eligible studies had a combined sample size of N = 12,764 respondents. The findings revealed that multi-media intervention strategies were the most common media intervention that led to increased cancer screenings among African Americans. The authors conclude with a call for social workers to be more involved in developing and following up with culturally appropriate media strategies that can increase the likelihood of early detection and successful treatment, thus reducing this important area of health disparity.

The role of relationships in connecting social work research and evidence-based practice.

Critics of evidence-based practice (EBP) often challenge the efficacy of applying social work research in practice. Such skepticism underscores the historic chasm that still exists between social work researchers and practitioners. If taught and implemented consistently, the EBP model can mend the connection between researchers and practitioners by merging their roles. Merging their roles, however, requires a renewed emphasis on relationships in the research process. This article explores the role of relationships in social work research. Using a researcher/practitioner continuum, we assess the types of interactions faculty have with stakeholders. We then offer strategies for cultivating relationships with stakeholders that lead to community-derived and implemented research that is critical to advancing the widespread use of EBP in social work.

A randomized effectiveness trial of a sex education program for minority youth in Miami, Florida.

Through this study the authors assessed the outcomes of a randomized effectiveness trial of Project U-Turn, a comprehensive sex education program for at-risk youth in Miami, Florida. Data collection occurred at pretest, three month, and six month follow-ups with a sample of teenagers randomly selected and assigned to treatment (n = 549) and control (n = 424) groups. Results from logistical and generalized multilevel modeling indicated the program did not contribute to teen responses at three or six month follow-ups. Other variables, however, had some influence on predicting teen responses to questions about their current and future sexual activity. Gender, use of alcohol, and participation in religious services predicted responses from teens at pretest and at three and six month follow-ups. Discussion of the findings, as well as implications for evidence-based social work with teens conclude the article.

Oh how I try to use evidence in my social work practice: efforts, successes, frustrations, and questions.

Convinced by the literature that they could do better for their clients, in this article the authors describe their efforts to transform a categorically-funded program model at one agency from relying on authority and good intentions to evidence-based practice (EBP). Using a case study approach the authors describe a six-year research effort in which they experienced a modicum of success, including completion of a few projects, followed by paralyzing frustrations that warrant sharing with other social work professionals. Reflecting on their experiences, they posit a few questions about EBP for practitioners and leaders in the profession to contemplate. The authors then offer five pathways for moving the profession closer to making EBP a reality in social work.

Innovative service or proselytizing: exploring when services delivery becomes a platform for unwanted religious persuasion.

In this article, the authors explore the question: When does services delivery cross the line and become an opportunity for proselytizing? The authors posit that social workers have a justifiable concern for usurping their professional and privileged roles to influence such an important part of their clients' lives. A case study of one Christian nonprofit agency indicates that social workers need to be cautious as they seek to provide ethical practice in religious settings. The authors conclude by recommending guidelines for social work practice in religious organizations.