SOCIAL-WORK PRACTITIONERS AS RESEARCHERS - IS IT POSSIBLE

Social workers are encouraged and often expected to conduct research i n addition to their clinical duties. Unfortunately, few practitioners seem interested and there is usually a lack of tangible supports in mo st practice settings. To counter this, a support group of non-supervis ory clinical social workers in a Department of Veterans Affairs Medica l Center met regularly with a social work educator-consultant in order to strengthen research skills, maintain motivation, and promote publi cation. This group successfully published seven articles with an addit ional five in process. In contrast, a second research group at the sam e facility foundered after eight months. Similarities and differences between the two groups are discussed. Recommendations are made about h ow agencies might encourage and sustain practitioners in the developme nt and publication of clinical research.