Dr. Robin Bonifas
Education
- Ph.D. - Social Welfare, University of Washington - 2007
- M.S.W. - Social Work - Health care and gerontology, University of Washington - 1992
- B.S.W. - Dual major - Social Work and Psychology, University of Washington - 1989
Teaching Interests
- Social work practice, social work research, medical social work, gerontological social
Research Interests
- Social gerontology, quality of life in long-term care, psychosocial care in skilled nursing facilities, social work education and leadership in gerontology and health, adjustment and resilience of older adults, elder social justice issues including resident-to-resident aggression in nursing homes and relational aggression/bullying in diverse aging settings, interprofessional education and practice in health.
Dr. Robin Bonifas has over 15 years experience working with elders and their families in both long-term care and inpatient psychiatric settings. Her research focuses on enhancing psychosocial care for persons with chronic illness and disability, especially those with comorbid mental health conditions and those requiring long-term care, and on evaluating curricular interventions designed to prepare social work students for effective practice with older adults. Her current projects examine elder social justice issues such as resident-to-resident aggression in nursing homes, bullying among older adults, and other challenges to social relationships in senior care organizations. In addition, she is examining the impact of interprofessional education on students’ competencies for collaborative healthcare practice. Dr. Bonifas is the author of Bullying Among Older Adults: How to Recognize and Address and Unseen Epidemic available through Health Professions Press. She is a John A. Hartford Faculty Scholar in Geriatric Social Work and earned her doctorate from the University of Washington in Seattle in 2007. She is a consulting editor for Health and Social Work and the Journal of Gerontological Social Work and serves as co-chair of the Gero-Ed Track for the Council on Social Work Education.
Dr. Bonifas attended the University of Washington in Seattle. She earned a bachelors degree in social work (BSW) in 1988, a bachelors degree in psychology in 1989, a masters degree in social work (MSW) in 1992, and a doctorate in social welfare in 2007.
EXTERNALLY FUNDED PROJECTS
2017-2019 Principal Investigator, Duet Caregiver Services Evaluation; Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, $6,500.002017-2018 Principal Investigator, Improving Health Outcomes in Independent Senior Housing through an Interprofessional Health and Social Service Center; National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education/Arizona Nexus, $18,000.
2016-2017 Principal Investigator, Improving Health Outcomes in Independent Senior Housing through an Interprofessional Health and Social Service Center; National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education/Arizona Nexus, $11,921.
2016 Co-Investigator, Evaluation of an ITOSCE to assess collaborative patient care between MSW and DNP students. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Graduate Nurse Education Demonstration Project; with Co-investor, Donna Velasquez, $10,588.00.
2015-2018 Project Director, Social Work HEALS: Social Work Health Care Education and Leadership Scholars Award. Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers Foundation, $110,000.
2015-2016 Co-Investigator, Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program; The Westward Ho Initiative: A Collaboration between Interprofessional Students and Older Adults to Enhance Health and Wellness in Urban Low Income Senior Housing; Health Resources and Services Administration; Principal Investigators Drs. Mindy Fain and Jane Mohler, University of Arizona, $600,000.
2015-2016 Principal Investigator, Improving Health Outcomes in Independent Senior Housing through an Interprofessional Health and Social Service Center; National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education/Arizona Nexus, $23,290.
2015-2016 Principal Investigator, Community Evaluator Training Evaluation. Scottsdale Presbyterian Church, $9,621.
2015-2017 Co-Investigator, Improving palliative care in long term care homes using participatory action research. Technology Evaluation in the Elderly Network (TVN); Principal Investigator: Dr. Sharon Kaasalainen, McMaster University School of Nursing; $607,520.
2013-2016 Co-Investigator, Interprofessional primary care curriculum: Implementation and evaluation. Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation; Principal Investigator, Dr. Gerri Lamb, ASU School of Nursing and Health Innovation: $836,714.
2011-2014 Principal Investigator, Resident-to-resident aggression in skilled nursing facilities: Relationships among contextual factors, interdisciplinary approaches, and positive resident outcomes. John A. Hartford Foundation: $100,000.
2007-2010 Co-Investigator, Masters advanced curriculum project gero innovations grant. John A. Hartford Foundation and Council on Social Work Education; Principal Investigator, Dr. Craig LeCroy, ASU School of Social Work: $40,000.
2005-2007 Principal Investigator, Multi-level factors related to deficiencies in psychosocial care in Washington State skilled nursing facilities. John A. Hartford Foundation: $50,000.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
2015-present Principal Investigator, Advancing interprofessional collaboration through an online social work-nutrition referral exercise. Arizona State University School of Social Work
2013-present Principal Investigator, Evaluating the impact of “Team Arizona: Interprofessional Healthcare Summit” on student learning. Arizona State University School of Social Work
2011-present Principal Investigator, Understanding challenging social relationships in senior housing communities. Arizona State University School of Social Work
2009-2012 Principal Investigator, Enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration among health professionals in gerontology. Arizona State University School of Social Work
2009-2012 Principal Investigator, Workforce comparisons: Licensed social workers practicing in nursing homes and other gerontology settings. Arizona State University School of Social Work
2008-present Co-Investigator, Quality of life and stress management: Assessing the impact of mindfulness-based curriculum on student outcomes. Arizona State University; Principal investigator, Dr. Maria Napoli, School of Social Work
2007-2011 Principal Investigator, Factors associated with psychosocial-related state survey deficiencies in Arizona skilled nursing facilities. Arizona State University
2007-2008 Research Consultant, Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Senior Medicare Patrol Grant via Resident Councils of Washington
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS *Indicates student collaborators
Gallagher, J.*, Bonifas, R. P., & Warner, E. (In press). Confirmatory factor analysis of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale II. Journal of Social Work Education.
Sussman, T., Kaasalainen, S., Lee, E., Akhtar-Danesh, N., Strachan, P.H., Brazil, K., Bonifas, R. P., Bourgeoise-Guerin, V., Durivag, P., Papaioannou, A., &Young, L. (2018). Condition-Specific Pamphlets to Improve End-of-life Communication in Long-term Care: Staff Perceptions on Usability and Use. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2018.11.009.
Kasmual, N., Bern-Klug, M., & Bonifas, R. P. (2017). Ethical issues in long term care: A human rights perspective. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work 2, 86-97.
Hodge, D. R., & Bonifas, R. P. (2017). Incorporating spiritual assessments with older adults into interprofessional collaborative team care. Arizona Geriatrics Society.
Sussman, T., Kaasalainen, Mintzberg, S., Sinclair, S., Young. L., Ploeg, J., Bourgeios-Guerin, V. Thompson, G., Ventura, L., Earl, M., Stachan, P., You, J., Bonifas, R., & McKee, M. (2017). Canadian Journal on Aging/La Revue Canadienne du Vieillissement. doi:10.1017/S0714980817000253
Beagley, D. A., & Bonifas, R. P. (2016). Motivational interviewing with older adults: A resource for interprofessional providers. Available at www.aging.arizona.edu. Invited manuscript.
Simons, K., An, S., & Bonifas, R. P. (2016). Professional and practice characteristics associated with self-efficacy in assessment and intervention among social workers in aging. Social Work in Health Care, 55(5), 362-380. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00981389.2016.1147514.
Bonifas, R. P. (2015). Resident-to-resident aggression in nursing homes: Social worker involvement and collaboration with nursing colleagues. Health and Social Work, 40(3), e101-e109. DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlv040.
Berceli, D., Salmon, M., Bonifas, R. P., & Ndefo, N. (2014). Effects of self-induced unclassified therapeutic tremors on quality of life among non-professional caregivers: A pilot study. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 3(5), 45-48.
Bonifas, R. P., Simons, K., Biel, B., & Kramer, C.* (2014). Aging and place in long-term care settings: Influences on social relationships. Journal of Aging and Health, 26(8), 1320-1339.
Bonifas, R. P., & Simons, K. (2014). An examination of the factor structure of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale II assessment and intervention subscales. Educational Gerontology, 40(9), 700-712. DOI: 10.1080/03601277.2013.875378
Hodge, D. R., Bonifas, R. P., Sun, F., & Wolosin, R. J. (2014). Developing a model to address African Americans’ spiritual needs during hospitalization. Clinical Gerontologist. DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2014.907593
Bonifas, R. P., & Mehrotra, G. (2014). Faculty reflections on the Institute for Aging and Social Work experience. Educational Gerontology, 40(4), 301-314. DOI:10.1080/03601277.2014.852940 (Invited manuscript)
Bonifas, R. P., & Napoli, M. (2013). Mindfully increasing quality of life: A promising social work curriculum. Social Work Education: An International Journal. DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2013.838215.
Hodge, D. R., Bonifas, R. P., Wolosin, R. J. (2013). Addressing the spiritual needs of hospitalized Asian Americans: Predictors of satisfaction among a national sample of inpatients. Families in Society, 94(4), 284-291. DOI 10.1606/1044-3894.4326
Napoli, M., & Bonifas, R. P. (2013). Becoming culturally competent: Mindful engagement with American Indian students and clients. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work. 22(3/4), 198-212.
Hodge, D. R., Wolosin, R. J., & Bonifas, R. P. (2013). Addressing older Latinos’ spiritual needs in hospital settings: Identifying predictors of satisfaction. Advances in Social Work, 14(1), 65-81.
Bonifas, R. P., Hedgpeth, J.*, & Kramer, C.* (2013). Evidence of empowerment in resident council groups: An examination of two leadership models in assisted living. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 56(4), 281-298.
Bonifas, R. P., & Gray, A. K.* (2013). Preparing social work students for interdisciplinary practice in geriatric health care: Insights from two approaches. Educational Gerontology, 39(7), 476-490.
Bonifas, R. P., Gammonley, D., & Simons, K. (2012). Gerontological social workers' perceived efficacy for influencing client outcomes. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 55(6), 519-536.
Simons, K., Connolly, R., Bonifas, R., Allen, L., Bailey, K.,* Downes, D., & Galambos, C. (2012). Psychosocial assessment of nursing home residents via MDS 3.0: Recommendations for social service training, staffing, and roles in interdisciplinary care. Journal of the American Medical Directors’ Association, 13, 190.e9-190e15; doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2011.07.00
Bonifas, R. P. (2011a). Multi-level factors related to deficiencies in psychosocial care in skilled nursing facilities. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 54, 203-223.
Bonifas, R. P. (2011b). Nursing home social workers and allied professionals: Enhancing geriatric mental health knowledge. Educational Gerontology, 37, 1-24.
Simons, K., Bonifas, R. P., & Gammonley, D. (2011). Commitment of licensed social workers to aging practice. Health and Social Work, 36(3), 183-195.
Napoli, M., & Bonifas, R. P. (2011). From theory toward empathic self care: Creating a mindful classroom for social work students. Social Work Education: An International Journal, 30(6), 635-649.
Hodge, D. R., & Bonifas, R. P. (2010). Using spiritually modified cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients wrestling with depression: A promising choice for some older adults. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 29(3), 185-206.
Hodge, D. R., Bonifas, R. P., & Chou, R. (2010). Spirituality and older adults: Ethical guidelines to enhance service provision in social work practice. Advances in Social Work, 11(1), 1-16.
Bonifas, R. P., Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I., & Bailey, K. A.* (2009). Recognizing the importance of aging skills and knowledge in social work practice: Effective strategies for MSW students. Gerontology and Geriatrics Education, 30(3), 205-225.
Simons, K., & Bonifas, R.P. (2009). Social work student interest in nursing home employment: A North American study. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52(3), 294-314.
Bonifas, R. P. (2008). Nursing home work environment characteristics: Associated outcomes in psychosocial care. Health Care Financing Review, 30(2), 19-33.
Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I., Bonifas, R. P., & Hooyman, N. R. (2006). Multigenerational practice: An innovative infusion approach. Journal of Social Work Education, 42(1), 25- 36.
Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I., & Bonifas, R. P. (2005). Multigenerational practice and curricular infusion. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 3(3), 83-99.
BOOKS
Bonifas, R. P. (2016). Bullying among older adults: How to recognize and address an unseen epidemic. Health Professions Press: Baltimore, MD.
BOOK CHAPTERS
Bonifas, R. P. (2017). Interprofessional education at Arizona State University. In C. Morano (Ed.) Perspectives on Interprofessional Education and Practice. Washington D. C.: NASW Press.
Bonifas, R. P. (2015). The prevalence of elder bullying and impact on LGBT elders. In D. A. Harley & P. B. Teaster (Eds.). Handbook of LGBT elders: An interdisciplinary approach to principles, practices, and policies, pp. 359-372. New York: Springer Publishing.
Bonifas, R. P., Bern-Klug, M., & Simons, K. (2015). Nursing homes. In D. Kaplan & B. Berkman (Eds). The handbook of social work in health and aging, 2nd edition, pp. 257-268. New York: Oxford University Press.
Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I., & Bonifas, R. P. (2013). Long-term care: The global impact on women, pp. 1515-1526. In M. B. Goldman, R. Rroisi, & K. M. Rexrode (Eds.) Women and health, 2nd edition. San Diego, CA: Elsevier.
Napoli, M., & Bonifas, R. P. (2012). From theory toward empathic self care: Creating a mindful classroom for social work students. In B. R. Crisp and L. Beddoe (Eds.) Promoting health and well-being in social work education. Boston, MA: Routledge.
Bonifas, R. P. (2010). Qualitative research. In J. L. Krysik & J. Finn. Research for effective social work practice, 2nd edition. Boston, MA: Taylor & Francis.
BOOK REVIEWS
Bonifas, R. P. (2011). Review of “Delivering Home-Based Services: A Social Work Perspective.” Social Service Review, 84(4), 693-697.