AU Social Science Research Work Research Paper

The steps for process evaluation outlined by Bliss and Emshoff (2002) may seem very similar to those for conducting other types of evaluation that you have learned about in this course; in fact, it is the purpose and timing of a process evaluation that most distinguish it from other types of evaluation. A process evaluation is conducted during the implementation of the program to evaluate whether the program has been implemented as intended and how the delivery of a program can be improved. A process evaluation can also be useful in supporting an outcome evaluation by helping to determine the reason behind program outcomes.

There are several reasons for conducting process evaluation throughout the implementation of a program. Chief among them is to compare the program that is being delivered to the original program plan, in order to identify gaps and make improvements. Therefore, documentation from the planning stage may prove useful when planning a process evaluation.

For this Assignment, you either build on the work that you completed in Weeks 6, 7, and 8 related to a support group for caregivers, or on your knowledge about a program with which you are familiar. Review the resource “Workbook for Designing a Process Evaluation”.

By Day 7

Submit a 4- to 5-page plan for a process evaluation. Include the following minimal information:

• A description of the key program elements
• A description of the strategies that the program uses to produce change
• A description of the needs of the target population
• An explanation of why a process evaluation is important for the program
• A plan for building relationships with the staff and management
• Broad questions to be answered by the process evaluation
• Specific questions to be answered by the process evaluation
• A plan for gathering and analyzing the information

Running Head: SOCIAL WORK ASSESSMENT
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Planning social work assessment
Preshonda Dupree
Walden University
Planning social work assessment
Caregiving has long been recognized to negatively affect caregivers’ mental health, but
new research suggests that it can also lead to significant physical health difficulties. People who
look after the elderly in their families are more likely to suffer from stress-related illnesses.
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Caregivers are often fatigued both physically and psychologically. Most caregivers express
emotions of exhaustion and overwork, yet they overlook warning indications of stress and worry.
To better care for themselves and their loved ones, caregivers need to be aware of their own
needs and the resources accessible to them. Being the primary caregiver, excessive expectations
from others and cultural beliefs lead caregivers to become acclimated to long, exhausting work
cycles. Families, friends, and community organizations may all play an important role in helping
caregivers achieve their goals. If caregivers learn to set reasonable expectations for others and
take care of their own needs, their health conditions improve.
In data collection, surveys and/or questionnaires will need to be administered regarding
the pressures faced by caregivers. Respondents benefit from questionnaires because the data may
be obtained quickly, cheaply, and easier for analysis. Using questionnaires, you may keep track
of a group’s progress and get feedback on how they’re doing. You should start by checking out
nursing homes and medical institutions if you’re looking to challenge a caregiver’s actions.
Linkert scale-type questionnaires would be given to the participants, which would ask about their
self-care, knowledge of support/resources, and overall wellness. Results from the survey should
indicate whether or not participants benefit from the resources offered in any of these categories.
There are support groups for families caring for loved ones, where caregivers may
connect with others who have had similar experiences. These caregivers’ emotional and social
needs will be categorized in an effective support program. Support from family and friends and
community resources will be crucial to the success of the program. Participants will get six to
eight weeks of instruction in self-care and relationship-building skills. As soon as their needs are
noted, relevant resources will be sourced for them. A social worker will then conduct weekly
psychoeducation sessions for the caregiver to address the identified requirements. They can also
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supply caregivers with options such as community support and local agencies that will assist
them. Among the services offered will be tools for caregivers to lessen their workload and
support at home.
Caregivers will benefit from in-home support, which will reduce their daily to-do list.
The social workers will need to set out a time and place for caregivers to meet with them. It is
expected that all social workers will be familiar with current research on effective treatments for
caregivers. The social workers assigned to each client’s unique condition and requirements will
be thoroughly examined. Social workers must have enough time to investigate and analyze their
clients’ information to provide the best possible advice. All participants following the session
will complete a customer satisfaction survey assessment form. This survey will reveal how
satisfied caregivers are with the program and where improvements may be made.
Ultimately, a follow-up needs assessment should be carried out to determine and evaluate
the program’s costs and efficacy. Whether or not customers see any changes due to the services
offered is very important to me as a program assessor because my concerns are strongly
dependent on whether or not specific conditions have been taken into account. The program’s
success depends heavily on the involvement of the clients; thus, attendance records should be
carefully scrutinized after the program’s completion.
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References
Jordan, C., & Franklin, C. (Eds.). (2020). Clinical assessment for social workers: Quantitative
and qualitative methods. Oxford University Press.
Parker, J. (2020). Social work practice: Assessment, planning, intervention and review. Sage.
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