Social Worker Burnout & the Importance of Self Care
Assessment Plan
1. Recruitment
process utilized in inviting individual to participate in the assessment
Our group will be utilizing the classes we are involved with
at the University of Utah Masters of Social Work Program to deliver and collect
assessments of our target population.
Each member of the group will invite classmates to participate in a five-minute
survey before class. Each person who
agrees to participate in the survey will be receiving a small token of appreciation,
in the form of a candy bar, as an incentive to participate in the research.
2. Approximate number
of people to include in the assessment:
We have the goal of assessing 70 to 105 individuals who are
enrolled in either the University of Utah Masters of Social Work two year or advanced
standing program. Each group member will
be distributing and collecting ten to fifteen surveys each.
3. Approximate number
of focus group/interviews/ surveys to be conducted:
Surveys will be the type of assessment being used to collect
informational data on social worker burn out among the masters of social work
cohort. There will be between 70 and 105 surveys distributed and collected.
4. Time and location
of the assessment:
The assessment will be distributed and collected between
Thursdays and Fridays at the University of Utah College of Social Work
Building. Time will vary depending on class meeting times.
5. Roles and
responsibilities of persons planning and facilitating the assessment (including
data collection and analysis plan):
We have a subgroup that has dedicated their time to researching
different existing surveys that are similar to the questions we are hoping to
have answered. This group is currently putting together a survey made up of an
array of different assessments that have shown to be useful. Another subgroup
will be working on translating and analyzing the data we have found after we
have collected the target amount. The analysis will show trends and needs among
the masters of social work cohort. It is the role of the person administering
the survey to speak with each professor prior to class to gain permission to
hand out the assessment tool.
Semi-Structured
Assessment Plan
1. Introductory
Verbal Script with purpose and procedures of assessment.
“For our Macro project we are attempting to assess self-care practices
among graduate level social work students at the University of Utah. This
survey is intended to provide us with quantitative data reflecting the
awareness of, current practice of, and need for self-care. No personal
identifying information is needed. All information will be used solely for the
above mentioned purpose. This is a voluntary survey and participation is
greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns contact
Daniel Henderson u0358875@utah.edu.”
2. Discussion of
Informed Consent
Our survey is voluntary. Individuals will be made aware that
the survey is optional and no penalty will be implemented if students choose to
not participate. Members of our group will express gratitude and appreciation
for participant’s involvement and time. Members of our group will read the verbal
script which encompasses purpose and procedure of the assessment.
3. List of Questions
to be Asked:
Here a link to the PDF of questions our group will be
asking:
4. Wrap Up:
In conducting our research we hope to discover the burnout
prevalence among MSW students in the University of Utah College of Social Work.
After analyzing our findings we hope to have a better look at the depth of
burnout our fellow students are facing and use this data to help future
students recognize the importance of self-care in the social work profession. Our group has been researching different ways individuals can engage in self-care that are at no cost and can be done simply on a break, at home, or during a commute. We hope to include these resources in our final project.
One thing that I really like about this blog page is the set up of the page, it is very warm and welcoming. I also like you have provided emails and names to make your page accessible to people who may have questions or want to know more about what your doing. The only constructive criticism that I have and maybe would be to have a definition of self-care in the description at the top or a list of ideas for people to consider. Just an idea, great job guys.
ReplyDeleteErika Eisenman
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ReplyDeleteSorry about that! Anyway.....
ReplyDeleteWhat a great blog and I believe a timely one, as well!
I enjoyed how your blog uses the survey questions as an educational opportunity for readers in defining symptoms of burnout, as well as possible cures (I particularly enjoyed the “belly laugh” descriptor used in question #19 under the preventions section!) The blog page and format were also very easy to navigate, and I thought your use of an archival depository for past posts was a nice touch. The assessment plan appeared well thought out and I think your section on roles, responsibilities, and analysis showed the reader how this project involved rigorous scholarly research, as well as anecdotal information, both of which I believe are essential for a well-rounded project. I think the use of personal identification and email addresses in your blog adds a feeling of earnestness to the blog and I think it may also indicate the “trustworthiness” of the blog post creators, as well as a way to find out more information ( as had been noted by a previous commenter.) In fact, the only thing I would wish for is if there were a way to create a type of “longitudinality” for this project, where participants could add their thoughts throughout their careers in an effort to find out more about burnout, similar to the Framingham Heart Study, but perhaps on a lessor scale. (www.framinghamheartstudy.org)
Great job!
Very well organized and I think you made a good choice for Questionnaire. It's simple and approachable and looks like you can get some good data out of it. I like that you have an incentive - Candy Bar, which at the same time reinforces your point of self-care and stress relief. It might be pertinent to mention why you chose 70-105 participants. I don't know off the top of my head how many are now in our cohort so I don't know what percentage of the MSW population this represents.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading through your blog. It is thoughtful, comprehensive, and "easy on the eyes." I was really impressed with the survey you chose to use and am certain that you will be able to collect some really valuable data. I can really relate to burnout during this homestretch of the program so I look forward to any suggestions you come up with for students to practice self-care.
ReplyDeleteI think I might just suggest that you try and utilize some large group meetings to administer your survey. I know there is a group meeting on Feb. 12th to discuss questions pertaining to the clinical examination. I think that would be a great opportunity to reach a lot of people at once. Good work everyone!
This is so cool guys I think it is such a great idea and something we need to incorporate into SW curricula. In theory self care in an amazing idea, sadly in reality it is not used in practice. It would be very helpful to learn how to do this and build it into our busy schedules early on in education. Can this be a 3 credit class?
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the aesthetics of your blog. It is pretty and easy to read. I also love the premise of this project and I agree with other students who have posted that this is a much needed area of study for a macro project. When considering your total reach goal, I thought that it might be difficult to attain 70-105 five-minute surveys from students in between classes. I am wondering if you all have a back-up plan in mind, such as an online survey through Survey Monkey, or some site like that?
ReplyDelete