How to evaluate a program focused on story-building and narrative in social workers’ case talk?

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To evaluate a program focused on story-building and narrative in social workers' case talk, consider the following five key points:

Content analysis: Conduct a content analysis of social workers' case talk transcripts or recordings to assess the use of story-building and narrative techniques. Analyze the presence of narrative elements such as plot, character development, setting, and conflict resolution. Evaluate the coherence, structure, and richness of the stories constructed by social workers during case discussions. Compare pre-program and post-program data to determine if there are improvements in the use of storytelling techniques.

Qualitative interviews or focus groups: Conduct qualitative interviews or focus groups with social workers who have participated in the program to gather their perspectives on the impact of story-building and narrative on their case talk. Explore their experiences in using narrative approaches, their perception of the effectiveness of storytelling techniques in engaging clients, and any changes they have noticed in their communication style and client outcomes. Analyze the qualitative data to identify common themes and patterns related to the program's influence on case talk.

Client feedback: Collect feedback from clients who have interacted with social workers who underwent the program. Use surveys or interviews to gather clients' perspectives on the impact of social workers' storytelling and narrative techniques on their experiences and outcomes. Assess if clients feel more heard, understood, and supported through the use of narrative approaches. Analyze the feedback to identify areas of improvement and the effectiveness of the program in enhancing client engagement.

Reflective practice and supervision: Incorporate reflective practice and supervision sessions within the program. Provide opportunities for social workers to reflect on their use of story-building and narrative techniques, discuss case examples, and receive feedback from supervisors or peers. Assess the quality and depth of reflection, as well as the integration of narrative approaches into social workers' practice during supervision sessions. Monitor changes in social workers' self-awareness, knowledge, and confidence in utilizing storytelling techniques.

Comparative analysis: Compare the case talk of social workers who have undergone the program with a control group or a comparison group that did not receive the intervention. Assess if there are significant differences in the use of story-building and narrative techniques between the two groups. Consider factors such as the presence of narrative elements, client engagement, and the effectiveness of case discussions. This comparative analysis helps determine the program's specific effects on social workers' case talk.