Attachment and Alternatives: Theory in Child Welfare Research

In an effort to improve the effectiveness of their services with children and adolescents, many social workers consult research guided by attachment theory. This article provides a brief overview of attachment theory with specific attention given to its application to contemporary child welfare research. Criticisms of attachment theory are discussed in detail, along with possibilities for alternative research frameworks including crisis intervention, anti-discrimination, social construction, and critical social work theories

Quality of life for hospice caregivers

The goal of hospice care is to enhance the quality of life (QOL) of patients and their families during the final stages of illness, the dying process, and the bereavement period. This goal involves using an interdisciplinary approach to attend to patients and families as a "unit of care" and to address the spiritual, physical, emotional, financial, and psychological aspects of living with a terminal illness. Despite efforts, research shows a decrease in the overall quality of life of hospice caregivers after the first 30 days of hospice care, especially in four quality of life domains: physical, financial, emotional, and social domains. The purpose of this study was to examine the following questions: 1) How does the QOL of hospice caregivers change over time? 2) How does a defined intervention affect their QOL? 3) How do different interventions affect the usual trajectory of QOL? 4) How do various aspects of QOL change over time? This poster addresses the first research question

Current methods of evaluating speech-language outcomes for preschoolers with communication disorders: A scoping review using the ICF-CY

Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to identify current measures used to evaluate speech-language outcomes for preschoolers with communication disorders within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Children and Youth (ICF-CY) (World Health Organization, 2007). Method: The review included five phases outlined by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and further developed by Levac et al. 2010: (a) articulating the research question, (b) identifying relevant studies, (c) study selection, (d) charting the data, and (e) collating, summarizing and reporting the results. The WHO ICF-CY was used to frame the measures included. Results: A total of 214 relevant peer-reviewed publications were included in the review. Most publications used measures to evaluate changes in outcomes for Activities (65%), followed by measures evaluating changes in Body Functions (20%), and finally measures evaluating changes at the level of Participation (15%). There has been a slight increase in the evaluation of Participation-level outcomes in the past four years (2012-2015). Conclusion: The review revealed a dearth of measures in the pediatric speech-language literature that address Participation-level outcomes. The authors strongly advocate for use of Participation-level outcome measures to detect meaningful change in the lives of children and families

Person-centered Outcomes in Culturally and Diverse Contexts: International Application of the ICF

This session is developed by, and presenters invited by, Cultural and Linguistic Considerations Across the Discipline. This session was developed by the Convention Program Committee to increase SLPs’ awareness regarding research and clinical applications of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) across pediatric and adult populations around the world. Discussants provide perspectives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Jamaica, and the United States

Use of videophones to deliver a cognitive-behavioural therapy to hospice caregivers

Article on the use of videophones to deliver a cognitive-behavioural therapy to hospice caregivers

Social Work Role in Pain Management with Hospice Caregivers: A National Survey

Article on a national survey of the social work role in pain management with hospice caregivers

Family Perspectives on the Hospice Experience in Adult Family Homes

Article on family perspectives on the hospice experience in adult family homes

Problem Solving Interventions: An Opportunity for Hospice Social Workers to Better Meet Caregiver Needs

Article on an opportunity for hospice social workers to better meet caregiver needs and problem solving interventions

Key Topics on End-of-Life Care for African Americans

Racial classifications of human populations are politically and socially determined. There is no biological or genetic basis for these racial classifications. Health behaviors may be influenced by culture and poverty. Disparities in health outcomes, sometimes resulting in higher mortality rates for African-Americans appear to influence end of life decision-making attitudes and behaviors. To improve the quality of end of life care in African-American communities, health care professionals must better understand and work to eliminate disparities in health care, increase their own skills, knowledge and confidence in palliative and hospice care, and improve awareness of the benefits and values of hospice and palliative care in their patients and families