Evidence-based practice in the real world:

Alice Home; Terri Biggs

doi:10.1921/gpwk.v15i2.578

Authors

Alice Home
Terri Biggs

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v15i2.578

Keywords:

group, mothers, children, disabilities, ADHD, evidence-based

Abstract

Evidence-based groupwork is becoming essential but is difficult to implement in the real world of competing priorities, time and resource constraints. This paper discusses a collaborative pilot-project, in which a scholar-practitioner team adapted evidence-based principles to develop and evaluate an innovative group. As research and practice evidence indicate mothers of children with invisible disabilities have unique, unmet needs, a short-term support-education group was set up. Using a single-case design, intervention was documented, mutual helping was observed and outcome (goal attainment, empowerment, satisfaction) was evaluated. Findings suggest this group was relevant and responsive to these mothers’ needs, despite member diversity and a short time frame. Sharing experiences, strategies and resources was seen as especially beneficial. Factors contributing to the outcome may include appropriate groupwork models, members’ strengths and motivation, as well as the collaborative team approach. While this pilot-project allowed innovation while ensuring outcome was monitored, replication is needed to verify outcome, identify influential factors and continue to develop evidencebased practices which reflect the realities of groupwork.

References

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