This groundbreaking book will show you how to use existing patient records to do original research so you can custom-tailor programs to fit the specific needs of your department. Clinical Data-Mining in Practice-Based Research draws from the experiences of members of the Mount Sinai Department of Social Work staff. By analyzing case data, these professionals were able to identify biopsychosocial factors that affected social-health outcomes, and therefore to assess, maintain, and improve the quality of social work services. The detailed discussions in this book will help you apply these techniques toward improving your own service.

Clinical Data-Mining (CDM) involves the conceptualization, extraction, analysis, and interpretation of available clinical data for practice knowledge-building, clinical decision-making and practitioner reflection. Depending upon the type of data mined, CDM can be qualitative or quantitative; it is generally retrospective, but may be meaningfully combined with original data collection.Any research method that relies on the contents of case records or information systems data inevitably has limitations, but with proper safeguards these can be minimized. Among CDM's strengths however, are that it is unobtrusive, inexpensive, presents little risk to research subjects, and is ethically compatible with practitioner value commitments. When conducted by practitioners, CDM yields conceptual as well as data-driven insight into their own practice- and program-generated questions.This pocket guide, from a seasoned practice-based researcher, covers all the basics of conducting practitioner-initiated CDM studies or CDM doctoral dissertations, drawing extensively on published CDM studies and completed CDM dissertations from multiple social work settings in the United States, Australia, Israel, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. In addition, it describes consulting principles for researchers interested in forging collaborative university-agency CDM partnerships, making it a practical tool for novice practitioner-researchers and veteran academic-researchers alike.As such, this book is an exceptional guide both for professionals conducting practice-based research as well as for social work faculty seeking an evidence-informed approach to practice-research integration.

Design more effective social work programs with research data from your clinical files! A well-planned research program helps social workers provide consistent, effective services to their clients, but stretched budgets and tight schedules make it difficult to find the resources for data gathering. Clinical Data-Mining in Practice-Based Research shows how you can use the existing records already kept by every health-care institution as your primary data source. By analyzing documented clinical information, you can do groundbreaking research and custom-tailor programs to fit the specific needs of your department. Clinical Data-Mining in Practice-Based Research draws from the experiences of members of the Mount Sinai Department of Social Work staff. By analyzing case data, these professionals were able to identify biopsychosocial factors that affected social-health outcomes. These practice-based research strategies helped social work professionals see their own work more clearly and helped improve the quality of direct services, interventions, new programs, and case evaluations. Clinical Data-Mining in Practice-Based Research shows the benefits of practice-based research, including: enhancing clinical and administrative functions encouraging direct-service workers to become more reflective fostering cooperation between social workers and other staff members designing earlier, easier, and more effective interventions contributing to continuing education for staff members improving patient care and satisfaction The detailed discussions in this book will help you apply these techniques toward improving your own service. Clinical Data-Mining in Practice-Based Research offers fresh and exciting ideas that can be applied in small health-care agencies or giant medical centers. It will become a trusted reference for administrators, social workers, researchers, and educators in the field.

Clinical Data Mining in an Allied Health Organisation: A Real World Experience shows how data-mining methodology can be used to promote quality management and research, reflecting on the ways in which this approach transforms practice by encouraging practitioner and organisational learning, client-focused service improvement and professional role satisfaction.

The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Practice Research is the first international handbook to focus on practice research for social work. Bringing together leading scholars in the field from Europe, the USA and the Asia Pacific region, it provides an up-to-the minute overview of the latest thinking in practice research whilst also providing practical advice on how to undertake practice research in the field. It is divided into five sections: State of the art Methodologies Pedagogies Applications Expanding the frontiers The range of topics discussed will enhance student development as well as increase the capacity of practitioners to conduct research; develop coordinating and leadership roles; and liaise with multiple stakeholders who will strengthen the context base for practice research. As such, this handbook will be essential reading for all social work students, practitioners and academics as well as those working in other health and social care settings.

This unique textbook explores practice-based research (PBR), using numerous practice examples to actively encourage and engage students and practitioners to embrace research as a meaningful support for their practice. Whilst evidence-based practice gives practitioners access to information about "universal" best practices, it does not prioritize practitioner-generated knowledge or promote new research-based interventions relevant to their own practice circumstances as PBR does. This book discusses the evolution of PBR as a distinct social work research approach, describes its principles and methods and presents a range of exemplars illustrating the application of PBR within different practice methods in different practice settings. The chapters cover: Identifying the research question in a PBR model Designing a study and identifying a methodology Sampling Literature reviews Gathering data Ethics Analyzing data and interpreting results Putting research into practice Viewing the practitioner as central to the research process, and research as a necessary component of practice, this invaluable book emphasizes the seamless integration of practice and research. It is about research in social work practice rather than research on social work practice. Each chapter includes an overview, an introduction, and a key concepts summary. Practice-Based Research in Social Work is a very accessible text suitable for social work students, particularly MSW students, and practitioners.

The need for both organizations and government agencies to generate, collect, and utilize data in public and private sector activities is rapidly increasing, placing importance on the growth of data mining applications and tools. Data Mining in Public and Private Sectors: Organizational and Government Applications explores the manifestation of data mining and how it can be enhanced at various levels of management. This innovative publication provides relevant theoretical frameworks and the latest empirical research findings useful to governmental agencies, practicing managers, and academicians.