Connecting Theory and Practice Assignment
Assignment #3: Practice Example/Connecting Theory and Practice
* Recognizing that clinical documentation may be new to some of you, an example of this assignment will be provided to
support your efforts.
Grade: 20% of total grade
Length: 1000-1250 words (3-4 pgs max, APA style)
Objective: The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity to examine a practice
example and develop an initial practice plan. This is NOT an academic essay; in many ways, it is more of
an opportunity to practice clinical documentation.
Expectations:
 Choose from one of the four practice examples provided.
 Analyze the specific practice situation from a critical social work/anti-oppressive perspective.
Integrating your knowledge of course readings and materials and on-line discussions, students
should be able to develop a plan that will flow from the theoretical perspectives guiding their
work.
 Students are not expected to do additional research, nor cite course material in support of your
analysis or plan; however it should be clear, that your plan is informed and/or evidence based.
Students are required to use the SBAR template as a guide for documenting their practice plan.
Evaluation Criteria:
The paper will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Organization and Structure:
 Is the documentation well organized and well written?
 Does the practice plan have a clear structure (e.g. did the proposed plan/interventions flow
from the details of the practice example and your critical analysis/assessment of the situation?)
Content and Analysis:
 Is the client’s story (their voice) summarized objectively & succinctly?
 Are other relevant details and collateral facts incorporated into a broader understanding of the
client’s situation?
 Does the writer demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of the situation (e.g. bias,
ethical dilemmas, diversity in perspectives, structural barriers, organizational factors, role
limitations, reality of resources/resource utilization)?
 Given that your knowledge of the situation is limited (you only know the information given to
you in the practice example) are the recommendations made:
o Patient centered, safe & sustainable? (Does it align with the client’s needs & lived
reality; is it realistic within the writer’s role and scope as social worker, with the
resources available)?
o Does it identify a desired outcome (goal of intervention), specific actions/interventions
to achieve the desired outcome (objective & measureable) and possible barriers or
limitations of the plan (e.g. gaps in your own knowledge, availability of resources, ‘buyin’ from client)
Referencing & Citation:
There is no requirement for research. In clinical documentation the quality of your writing, the
substance of your analysis, the clarity of your communication in advocating for the client will be
representative of your knowledge and skill as a clinician. Rarely, if ever, will you quote outside sources
as you would if writing an academic essay.