Quick and Dirty Research: Opportunities for People Who Are Too Busy to Do Research to Do Research

Abstract

As a trainer and supervisor I have heard of many examples of the use of a solution-focused approach bringing about significant improvements in the lives of service users. Too often, from my point of view however, these wonderful stories of the possibilities of change stay known only to a few. As a practitioner I also recall my concerns over what might be required for my witnessing of this evidence to be presented to a wider audience. In this paper I reflect on my own journey into research whilst still being in practice, the ideas from professional culture that may have influenced my thinking, the possibilities of moving from evidence-based practice to practice-based evidence and the opportunities that were available to me in a busy Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service. The paper proposes the possibilities of a “quick and dirty” approach for others in practice who would like to do research. Two examples are given of studies that took advantage of available opportunities. I then offer a series of questions, in the hope that this paper will encourage more practitioners to carry out research.

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