DEVELOPING A RESEARCH UNIT WITHIN A HOSPITAL SOCIAL-WORK DEPARTMENT

This article describes the establishment of a research unit as an inte gral part of a hospital social work department on the basis of the aut hors' experience in a cancer center over a 13-year period Methods are described for building support within the institution, for the process of initiating the unit, for deciding on study topics, and finally for bridging the gap between clinical and research staff. The evolution o f the relationship between clinical and research staff was characteriz ed by four different phases: curiosity, competitiveness, cooperation, and collaboration. A childhood bereavement project is used to exemplif y the develop mental processes and the ongoing interaction of research and clinical staff. The professional practice of all staff benefited from the increased academic rigor and productivity, although some staf f remained unconvinced Of the value of such a major research effort. T he benefits and costs of the unit are also discussed.