Identify The Problems You Will Target And The Outcomes ✓ Solved

Identify the problems that you will target and the outcomes you will measure,

The steps at the heart of single-system (subject) research are part of the everyday practice of social work. Each day, social workers implement interventions to meet clients’ needs and monitor results. However, conducting proper single-system (subject) research entails far more than these simple day-to-day practices. Proper single-system research requires a high degree of knowledge and commitment. Social workers must fully understand the purpose of single-system (subject) research and the variations of single-system (subject) design.

They must develop a hypothesis based upon research and select the right design for testing it. They must ensure the reliability and validity of the data to be collected and know how to properly analyze and evaluate that data. This assignment asks you to create a proposal for a single-subject research study based on a case study involving a client named Paula Cortez.

You will imagine working with Paula after an initial assessment of her social, medical, and psychiatric issues, and develop a plan for intervention. You will also develop a plan to monitor her progress using measurable indicators suited for single-system research. Your research proposal should include: the targeted problems, the outcomes to be measured, selected intervention(s) with specified duration, and an evaluation plan.

The proposal should describe the specific problems you intend to address, the intervention method including its replicability, a summary of the relevant literature guiding your intervention choice, and the purpose of the single-system evaluation.

Additionally, include details on the outcome measures, their validity and reliability, how baseline data will be established, the frequency of follow-up assessments, success criteria for intervention effectiveness, and how ongoing measurements will inform your work with Paula.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In developing a research proposal targeting Paula Cortez's complex health and psychosocial issues, it is essential to identify the specific problems and consistent outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions through single-system research (Thyer, 2010). This paper delineates a tailored intervention plan, grounded in a thorough review of relevant literature, with explicit outcome measurement strategies.

Problems Targeted in Intervention

Paula Cortez presents multiple interrelated problems including chronic health conditions (HIV/AIDS with complications, hepatitis C, circulatory issues), mental health challenges (bipolar disorder with episodes of mania and depression, paranoia, non-adherence to medication), social isolation, history of abuse, and housing instability. Prioritizing these issues based on severity and potential for immediate impact, the intervention will focus on her mental health management, medication adherence, and social support enhancement, as they directly influence her capacity to manage her physical health and care for her children.

Intervention Approach and Duration

The selected intervention combines motivational interviewing (MI) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques tailored for bipolar disorder management and medication adherence (Miller & Rollnick, 2013; Kim et al., 2015). The intervention spans twelve weeks with weekly sessions, emphasizing establishing trust, enhancing motivation for treatment adherence, and developing coping strategies. This timeframe allows observable change and is replicable across clients with similar profiles (Luborsky et al., 2002).

Literature Review Supporting Intervention Choices

Research indicates that MI effectively increases treatment engagement and medication compliance among clients with mental health and chronic physical health conditions (Burke et al., 2003; Lundahl & Kunz, 2010). CBT has proven effective in reducing bipolar symptom severity and improving functional outcomes when combined with psychoeducation and adherence strategies (Yatham et al., 2018). Studies also highlight the importance of integrated approaches addressing both mental health and physical health needs in populations similar to Paula (Motruk et al., 2020). These findings informed the selection of MI and CBT as appropriate, evidence-based interventions.

Purpose of Single-System Evaluation

The main purpose of conducting a single-system evaluation is to determine the intervention’s effectiveness in altering targeted problems within Paula’s unique context, enabling detailed observation of changes over time (Mattaini, 2012). This approach allows for tailoring interventions, understanding client-specific responses, and refining strategies based on direct evidence of progress or stagnation.

Outcome Measures and Evaluation Plan

Measures and Evidence

Outcome measures include standardized scales such as the Self-Report Medication Adherence Scale (SRMAS) (Morisky et al., 2008) to assess medication compliance; the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) (Young et al., 1978) for manic episodes; and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale (National Institute of Mental Health, 2011) for overall symptom severity. These instruments have demonstrated validity and reliability in similar populations (Morisky et al., 2008; Young et al., 1978).

Baseline Data Collection

Baseline measures will be established through initial assessments using these standardized tools, complemented by qualitative data from interviews and client self-reports. The baseline will be obtained over two weeks of pre-intervention observation to capture variability and establish stable measurement points.

Follow-up and Measurement Frequency

Follow-up assessments will occur weekly for six weeks during the intervention, then bi-weekly until week twelve. This frequency balances capturing meaningful change with practical feasibility, allowing for timely adjustments to the intervention plan.

Criteria for Effectiveness

Effectiveness will be determined by a statistically and clinically significant improvement in adherence scores, reductions in manic episodes as measured by YMRS, and overall CGI improvement. Criterion includes at least a 50% reduction in YMRS scores and positive trends in adherence within the measurement period.

Monitoring and Ongoing Use of Data

Periodic measurements will guide ongoing adjustments by identifying emerging barriers or setbacks. Continuous data collection supports dynamic tailoring of intervention strategies, enhancing overall effectiveness and ensuring responsiveness to Paula’s evolving needs.

Conclusion

This proposed single-subject research plan aligns intervention strategies with evidence-based practices, employing valid, reliable measures and an adaptive evaluation process. Such a structured approach aims to facilitate meaningful improvements in Paula Cortez’s health and psychosocial functioning while exemplifying rigorous social work research methods.

References

• Burke, B. L., Arkowitz, H., & Menchola, M. (2003). The efficacy of motivational interviewing: A meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 71(5), 843–851.
• Kim, E., Rounsaville, B. J., & Weiss, R. D. (2015). Motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder. Psychological Medicine, 45(4), 861–870.
• Luborsky, L., et al. (2002). The efficacy of different psychotherapies. Psychotherapy Research, 12(1), 109–130.
• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Morisky, D. E., et al. (2008). The medication adherence scale: Development and validation. Patient Education and Counseling, 72(2), 167–173.
• Motruk, P., et al. (2020). Integrated approaches to managing mental and physical health in vulnerable populations. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 76(4), 626–640.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2011). Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) Scale. NIMH.
• Thyer, B. (2010). Social Work Evaluation: Enhancing What We Do. Lyceum Books.
• Yatham, L. N., et al. (2018). Evidence-based guidelines for bipolar disorder: A comprehensive review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 238, 530–543.
• Young, R. C., et al. (1978). A rating scale for mania: The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 14(2), 15–17.