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Research
- Vision
- Mission
- The key strategies
- Values/beliefs
- 1999 onwards
- 1997
- 1996
- Other research currently or recently undertaken within the Department
- Contact us
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne University Social Work Research Unit was formally established in March, 1997.
Vision
To be an internationally recognised Social Work research centre, through carrying out excellent social work research and evaluation in line with the broader vision of Melbourne University and the Women's and Children's Healthcare Network.
Mission
To improve health outcomes for children, adolescents and their families and improve the knowledge base of the Social Work profession by carrying out a range of research and evaluation projects which are arising from the practice of social workers in the hospital and network future directions.
The key strategies
- Integration of research, advocacy and education with clinical care
- Fostering of a culture of inquiry among the professional social workers in Royal Children's Hospital
- Development of links and partnerships with other departments, disciplines and organisations (statewide, nationally and internationally)
- Offering consultation and professional development to all Royal Children's Hospital Social Workers
- Place a high priority on the growth of external research funding
- Actively seek honours and post graduate students and distinguished international academics.
Values/beliefs
- Commitment to an interdisciplinary approach
- Social research with maintenance of the highest ethical standards in compliance with Network and University regulations and code of research practice with commitment to highest quality analysis which will result in improved practice and enhanced outcomes for children and families.
1999 onwards:
- Discharge Planning Phases II & III
- High Risk Infants Known to Child Protection Services: A Conceptual and Program Review
- An Evaluation of Parenting Assessment Theories and Frameworks for High Risk Infants
- Evaluation of the Victorian Government's High Risk Infants Initiatives
- RCH Haematology/Oncology Unit Family Psycho Social Needs Analysis Project
- Brain Tumour Impact on Child and Family Literature Review
- Evaluation of Strengthening Families at WCHCN
1997
Craniopharyngioma Child and Family Impact Study [A Jackson, H Goodman, B Johnson, M Tsantefski]
This study was undertaken in conjunction with the Departments of Endocrinology, Neurosurgery and Psychology. Using a combination of interviews and questionnaires this study is looking at the impact on families of a child with craniopharyngioma and the service needs of these families.
Social Work Discharge Planning in Complex Paediatric Cases [A Jackson, B Johnson, M O'Toole]
The research examined associations for the 40 complex cases between a Discharge Planner Functions Checklist, complexity as measured by a Complexity Scale, length of stay, frequency of admissions, amount of time spent on cases by the social work discharge planner and expert rating of complexity.
1996
Complex Case Management/Discharge Planning (Phase 1) [A Jackson, J Badger, M O'Toole]
A Committee was set up in the Social Work Department in November 1995 to facilitate case management in complex cases, in consultation with members of the Home Care Team. This has evolved into the restructuring of work loads, and the establishment of a Discharge Planning program. Judi Badger and Maree O'Toole, in collaboration with Professor Alun Jackson, have developed an Action Research framework to look at certain elements of the Discharge Planning Program. The effectiveness of discharge planning work around these selected elements is being evaluated.
Hospital Program - Early Intervention in Child Protection matters [H Goodman, J Miller]
In the light of decreasing staff members in the Hospital Program of the Social Work Department, a study was carried out by Helen Goodman, which described time spent on and selected aspects of early intervention work with families where there was a potential or actual protective concern. The work, which was finalised in December, 1996 is at present an internal document, but will be available for wider discussion in 1997
Other research currently or recently undertaken within the Department
1997
The Experience in Dance Movement of Three Individual Women with Turner Syndrome [E Loughlin]
This phenomenological inquiry, an MA minor thesis, focuses on the experience of living with Turner Syndrome.
1996
A Descriptive Analysis of Psychosocial Factors Associated with Frequently Readmitted Paediatric Patients Diagnosed with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus [D Nilsson]
This work was carried out in 1996, and submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Social Work, and is an exploratory study, which provides a descriptive analysis of psychosocial factors associated with, and common between, paediatric patients frequently readmitted after diagnosis with insulin dependant diabetes mellitus at the Royal Children's Hospital. It is expected some material will be published from this work
Contact us
Dr. Brigid Jordan a mental health social work practitioner provides mentoring and support to any social worker wishing to develop research.
The Unit is managed by Chief Social Worker Jane Miller.