A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Licensed Masters-Level Social Worker's Engagement in Outcome Evaluation

Purpose Little is known concerning the way that Licensed Masters-Level social workers are evaluating outcomes. Methods Licensed providers (n = 111) completed a mixed-methods web-based survey regarding ways they evaluate practice outcomes. Content analysis was used to identify ways in which social workers reported evaluating practice outcomes. Results Evaluation methods identified were (1) not consistently evaluating client outcomes, (2) completion of follow-up appointments, (3) clinical judgment/completion of treatment plan, (4) satisfaction surveys, (5) client-reported symptom remission, (6) judgment of key informants, and (7) standardized objective measures. Objective evaluation methods were used most by individuals reporting frequent outcome evaluation, those reporting less frequent outcome evaluation used client self-report or relied on feedback from key informants to gauge client's progress. Frequency of outcome evaluation was inversely related to perceived difficulty of evaluating outcomes. Discussion Social workers frequently rely on non-standardized, subjective evaluation methods. More research in this area is currently indicated.