The Transferability of Family Assessment Tools between Countries: Reflections on the Intervention Research Approach

Abstract

This paper illustrates the practical implementation of intervention research when adapting a family assessment tool between countries. Developing countries such as South Africa are emphasising the indigenisation of practices to ensure applicable theories and practices when addressing unique societal contexts or challenges. New social work technology can be developed using the process of intervention research. This paper analyses the application of intervention research using the social constructionism paradigm in addressing the research problem of how a family assessment tool can be transferred from one country to another, with the main focus being on feedback and the application of this method by the researchers. Forty‐six social workers were trained in the use of the assessment tool, and feedback on the adaptation of the tool was gathered during focus group discussions on various occasions. Results indicate the importance of contextualising the tool within the context of specific countries to ensure relevancy and applicability, especially among different racial and cultural groups, as well as to ensure that the relevant stakeholders are consulted in the development of new technology. Intervention research ensures a rigorous research process to adapt existing technology to a local context. ‘This paper illustrates the practical implementation of intervention research when adapting a family assessment tool between countries’ Key Practitioner Messages Intervention research is an appropriate approach in adapting tools from one context to another. Focus group discussion enhances the ability of practitioners to jointly construct practice realities. The applicability of assessment tools is enhanced by widely consulting with practitioners.

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