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Research Study on Medical Self-Disclosure as a Membership Requirement for the OCSWSSW

STUDY NAME: Students and recent graduates’ responses to medical self-disclosure as a membership requirement for the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

RESEARCHERS: Chris Chapman, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, York University; Jennifer Poole, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Ryerson University; Zac Grant, MSW student, School of Social Work, Ryerson University; Luke Reid, PhD student, University of Toronto.

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH:

We are a team of researchers from York University, Ryerson University, and the University of Toronto’s Schools of Social Work, who are interested in student and recent graduate’s experiences of a policy change at the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) two years ago. As of January 1, 2018, in accordance with its governing legislation, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (“College”) requires applicants for certificates of registration to provide information about past or present physical or mental conditions or disorders that could affect their ability to practice in a safe manner.

We are trying to determine whether current social work and social service worker students and recent graduates have concerns about this legislation and to assess the impact of this disclosure requirement on those applying for membership in the College or those who have gone through the registration process since January 1, 2018.

We would like to invite you to take part in this research study. You are eligible to participate in this study if:
• you are a helping professional over the age of eighteen; and
• you either a) registered with the OCSWSSW after January 2018, b) are a student or unregistered professional who is considering registration with the College, or c) you are eligible to register with the OCSWSSW but have chosen not to do so.

WHAT YOU WILL BE ASKED TO DO IN THE RESEARCH:

You are being asked to complete a confidential 30-minute online survey. The survey will include the detailed consent form. By submitting the survey, participants will consent to participate in the research. Participants will be asked about their membership in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and their thoughts about the OCSWSSW’s policy to provide information about past or present physical or mental conditions or disorders that could affect their ability to practice in a safe manner. The survey consists of checkboxes and some short answer questions.

Link to the Survey & More Info