Social work research in hospital settings: strategies for implementation.

In recent years there has been a growing interest among hospital Social Work departments, especially those associated with major medical research institutions and universities in initiating research which could inform clinical practice. Yet little has been written that describes the process required to develop social work research within health care agencies and institutions. In this paper we discuss some of the challenges social work departments will confront in developing a research program, and alternative solutions that might be considered in different institutional settings. We identify ways to: (1) select an effective model and develop institutional support for social work research; (2) prepare clinical staff for interaction with the research effort; (3) consider relevant factors in selecting topics for study; (4) identify personnel required for specific research functions; and (5) secure outside funding.