Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2023"
TL;DR: In this paper , a study explores teen dating violence service providers' perceptions of both the benefits and the risks of using digital technologies in their service delivery system, finding that service providers are actively negotiating the ways technology can nurture their clients' safety or perpetuate harm including exacerbating the digital divide.
Abstract: Abstract Despite the promise of digital technologies to strengthen social work practice, like many other social service organizations, service providers at domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) organizations have yet to fully embrace their use in their work. Our study explores teen dating violence (TDV) service providers’ perceptions of both the benefits and the risks of using digital technologies in their service delivery system. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with TDV staff at agencies throughout the United States (N = 35). Findings suggest service providers are actively negotiating the ways technology can nurture their clients’ safety or perpetuate harm including exacerbating the digital divide. DV service providers contend that while technology can be lifesaving, important considerations must address associated harms.
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TL;DR: In this paper , the authors explored the challenges experienced by medical social workers in the process of service delivery and recommended collaboration between the government of Ghana and nonprofit organizations in providing electronic devices and training for social workers to better meet the needs of patients.
Abstract: Abstract “Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, medical social workers in Ghana have continued to play a relevant role in hospital settings by providing emotional support, counseling, advocacy, and arranging outpatient treatments for patients. This study explores the challenges experienced by medical social workers in the process of service delivery. Using a qualitative approach, we interviewed 10 participants with the aid of semi-structured interviews and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. The findings revealed technological difficulties and interaction disconnects among colleagues and patients as the overarching challenges faced by medical social workers in service delivery. The study recommends collaboration between the government of Ghana and nonprofit organizations in providing electronic devices and training for social workers on how to use emerging technologies to better meet the needs of patients.”
TL;DR: In this article , a scoping review examined the research literature to identity practical knowledge relevant to social care agencies introducing Information Systems (IS) and identified two features critical to generating relevant practical knowledge: the participatory role of the researcher-designer, and the active role of IS participants.
Abstract: Abstract Information systems (IS) are increasingly used in social care agencies. This scoping review examined the research literature to identity practical knowledge relevant to social care agencies introducing IS. Selected studies documented elements of practical knowledge, though this was not the direct focus of any individual article. A synthesis of the 50 selected studies into a themed matrix highlighted the practical knowledge gap for social care agencies, and community service agencies in particular. This review identified two features critical to generating relevant practical knowledge: the participatory role of the researcher-designer, and the active role of IS participants.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors used machine learning to detect anxiety in text transcribed from interviews with patients and applied topic modeling to highlight common stress factors for student veterans, which can provide a tool to support psychologists and social workers in treating social anxiety.
Abstract: Abstract Approximately one-third of the veteran population suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental illness that is often co-morbid with social anxiety disorder. Student veterans are especially vulnerable as they struggle to adapt to a new, less structured lifestyle with few peers who understand their difficulties. To support mental health experts in the treatment of social anxiety disorder, this study utilized machine learning to detect anxiety in text transcribed from interviews with patients and applied topic modeling to highlight common stress factors for student veterans. We approach our anxiety detection task by exploring both deep learning and traditional machine learning strategies such as transformers, transfer learning, and support vector classifiers. Our models provide a tool to support psychologists and social workers in treating social anxiety. The results detailed in this paper could also have broader impacts in fields such as pedagogy and public health. 1
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined how digital technology could promote a sense of agency for vulnerable mothers as well as barriers and enablers of accessing digital knowledge and online parenting support, and explored how technology could assist community organizations' staff in helping their clients better.
Abstract: Abstract Mothering and motherhood can be a very challenging experience in the 21st century, where cultural pressures, on the one hand, and health experts’ regular parenting surveillance, on the other, continue to influence mothering decisions and practices. The socially constructed “good mother” discourses and associated pressures/influences can be amplified for vulnerable mothers who may feel marginalized from or judged by the broader society. This article presents findings from a study that involved interviews with ten young mothers and 12 staff working at a leading family welfare agency supporting young parents in Melbourne, Australia. The study examined how digital technology could promote a sense of agency for vulnerable mothers as well as barriers and enablers of accessing digital knowledge and online parenting support. In addition, the study explored how technology could assist community organizations’ staff in helping their clients better. This paper argues that, overall, digital technologies can positively influence the experience of mothering and can empower vulnerable mothers by increasing their access to various sources of support. Furthermore, our findings suggest that technology can enhance community and family service providers’ practice, opening possibilities for a more supportive relationship with clients by empowering them and increasing agency over their situation.
TL;DR: In this article , a qualitative study was conducted to understand how social workers document their work in the electronic health record (EHR) in integrated primary care settings, and three themes emerged from the analysis of the focus groups: 1) considerable variability in where and how social worker document their practice within the EHR; 2) EHR functions are not designed for social work practice; and 3) documentation practices as helpful for demonstrating social workers contributions to other integrated care team members.
Abstract: Abstract A qualitative study was conducted to understand how social workers document their work in the electronic health record (EHR) in integrated primary care settings. Three themes emerged from the analysis of the focus groups: 1) considerable variability in where and how social workers document their practice within the EHR; 2) EHR functions are not designed for social work practice; and 3) EHR documentation practices as helpful for demonstrating social workers’ contributions to other integrated care team members. Education, training, and EHR adaptations are needed as social workers and other nontraditional healthcare providers continue to partake in team-based service delivery, especially in integrated primary care.