Creating evidence from practice expertise: Group coding of simulation video to identify competencies for single-session health social work
Craig, S. L., McInroy, L. B., Eaton, A. D. (2020). Creating evidence from practice expertise: Group coding of simulation video to identify competencies for single-session health social work. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 13, 1133–1142. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S266853
Highlights
Background
Allied health professions, such as social work, need competencies that integrate research findings and practice expertise to maintain comprehensive evidence-based practice.
Often, and especially in acute or emergency settings, a clinician may only have a single session with a patient.
Maximizing the benefit of single sessions requires advanced competence that extends beyond diagnostics and biomedical treatments.
Study Description
This study used a practice-based research methodology: health social workers group coded 32 simulation videos, drawn from an advanced social work practice course, to develop a practice-based competency framework that incorporates these advanced skills
We used constructivist grounded theory through a cyclical coding process of viewing video data, identifying and discussing skills and competencies, and summarizing/synthesizing the discussions for critical reflection
Key Findings
The result was a Clinician Group Coding Method. This used systematic and collaborative group coding of practice simulation videos—by three clinicians and two researchers—to identify relevant competencies for a single session
Emphasis was placed on the progressive phases of single-session patient interactions (e.g., joining, working, ending)
These phases include themes of preparing, agenda-setting and refining, addressing context, providing education, planning the next steps, and encouraging success
The group coding process allowed for immediate discussions and clarifications, so clinicians could synthesize their experiences toward shared understandings of “best practices” in single-session healthcare contexts.
