Research Techniques for Clinical Social Workers by M. Elizabeth Vonk Tony Tripodi Irwin Epstein

Author:M. Elizabeth Vonk, Tony Tripodi, Irwin Epstein [M. Elizabeth Vonk, Tony Tripodi, Irwin Epstein]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Social Work
ISBN: 9780231133890
Google: gfsXXw0gcmMC
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Published: 2007-01-15T04:28:08+00:00

CLIENT SELF-MONITORING FORMS AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

Client self-monitoring forms are potentially useful in all phases of clinical social work practice. In the diagnostic assessment phase, for example, they can be used to understand and define clients’ problems within their situational context. In some instances self-monitoring may provide a “baseline” of the occurrence of problematic behaviors, attitudes, or moods at regular intervals prior to intervention. Such systematic monitoring of problems and the dynamics that effect their expression can greatly aid clinical assessment.

Forms also can be used to systematically assess treatment outcomes. Accordingly, a series of postintervention measures taken by the client or by significant others can determine the effects of treatment and the persistence of these effects. Interrupted time series designs (discussed in chapter 10) make use of both pre- and postintervention measures in evaluating clinical outcomes.

Finally, forms can be used in the treatment monitoring phase to determine how well the client is following the intervention contract, to find out whether situational factors are enhancing or hindering progress, or to track relevant behaviors or activities between meetings with the social worker. Again, this monitoring can be done by clients themselves and/or by significant others in their environment. Most important is that the information generated in this monitoring process is part of a regular, systematic, and objective effort to describe client behavior.

Although not a focus in this chapter, it should also be noted that self-monitoring forms also can be used by clients as a form of intervention and by clinical social workers as a professional learning tool. Clients and social workers alike may benefit from the increased self-awareness that comes from systematic self-monitoring. Such use is described more fully by Swenson (1988) and by Kopp (1988), referenced in the bibliography.

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