Posted: May 15th, 2023

THE ETHICS OF PRACTICE EVALUATION

THE ETHICS OF PRACTICE EVALUATION

As a social worker, you are required to follow certain ethical guidelines in the conducting of research, including evaluation—namely protecting research participants, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring confidentiality. But you must also consider the ethical obligation of evaluation itself. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) mandates that social workers engage in practice evaluation. But why? What is the purpose, and what are the professional and ethical obligations associated with evaluation?

In this Discussion, you answer these questions as you examine the ethics surrounding practice evaluation.

TO PREPARE

• Review the Learning Resources on evaluation and ethics.

• Reflect on practice evaluation, its purpose, and the professional and ethical reasons for a social worker to engage in practice evaluation.

BY DAY 3

• Define practice evaluation.

• Explain how it differs from program evaluation.

• Explain why a social worker must evaluate their practice, even if they are already using evidence-based interventions with clients.

• If you were to conduct an evaluation with your chosen client from Week 1, describe at least one ethical standard that may pose a challenge and explain why. Refer to specific areas of the NASW Code of Ethics in your response. Be sure to include APA citations and references.

References

• Dudley, J. R. (2020). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

o Chapter 1, “Evaluation and Social Work: Making the Connection” (pp. 3–30)

o Chapter 3, “The Role of Ethics in Evaluations” (pp. 56–77)

• National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English

o Review Sections 1.01 Commitment to Clients, 1.04 Competence, and 5.02 Evaluation and Research

______________________________
Practice evaluation is the process of systematically assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of social work practice. It involves gathering and analyzing data to determine whether social work interventions are achieving the desired outcomes and meeting the needs of clients. Practice evaluation focuses on evaluating the individual social worker’s practice, whereas program evaluation assesses the effectiveness of a specific program or intervention.

The purpose of practice evaluation is multifold. First, it helps social workers monitor and improve their own practice by providing feedback and identifying areas for growth. Evaluation allows social workers to assess their competence, ensure the use of evidence-based interventions, and enhance the quality of services provided to clients. By engaging in practice evaluation, social workers can ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical practice.

Even if social workers are already utilizing evidence-based interventions with clients, practice evaluation remains essential. It helps to determine whether those interventions are being implemented effectively and appropriately in the specific context of the client’s situation. Practice evaluation provides an opportunity to assess the fit between interventions and clients, identify potential barriers to success, and make necessary adjustments to optimize outcomes.

Conducting an evaluation with a client may raise ethical challenges, particularly in maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent. The NASW Code of Ethics provides guidance in these areas. According to Section 1.01 of the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers have a commitment to clients to protect their confidentiality, unless disclosure is required by law or necessary to prevent serious harm. When conducting an evaluation, social workers must ensure that client information is de-identified and protected to maintain confidentiality. They should also explain to the client the purpose, process, and potential risks and benefits of the evaluation, obtaining their informed consent.

Additionally, Section 1.04 of the NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of social workers’ competence. When conducting an evaluation, social workers must have the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise in research methods and evaluation design. They should be aware of the potential biases and limitations in data collection and analysis, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the evaluation findings. Social workers should strive for cultural competence and consider the unique needs and backgrounds of their clients when conducting evaluations.

In summary, practice evaluation is essential for social workers to ensure the effectiveness, quality, and ethical practice of their interventions. It provides opportunities for professional growth, accountability, and improvement in service delivery. Ethical challenges may arise in maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent during the evaluation process, requiring social workers to adhere to the relevant sections of the NASW Code of Ethics.