Information Technology and Evidence-Based Social Work Practice

Learn to use the latest technological advances in evidence-based social work

Social work practice can be positively or negatively impacted by the advance of technology. Advances and applications must be up-to-date as possible, yet they may be ineffective if not simple enough to easily learn and use. Information Technology and Evidence-Based Social Work presents leading social work experts exploring the latest technological advances and the innovative practical applications which can be used effectively in evidence-based social work. Students and practitioners get creative practical advice on how best understand technology and apply it to their work.

Information Technology and Evidence-Based Social Work is divided into four sections. The first section provides the context for understanding the technological link between social work and evidence-based practice. The second section presents examples of how information technology can be used to effectively teach students and practitioners in the field. Section three explores ways to implement technology for use by clients. The fourth section summarizes and then takes a look at the future of technology in evidence-based social work. Chapters include questions for practitioners and for clients to illuminate the current and future issues surrounding technology and evidence-based practice. The text also includes extensive references, and useful tables and figures.

Topics in Information Technology and Evidence-Based Social Work include:

• the impact of technology on social work

• computer-assisted evidence-based practice

• customized web-based technology and its use in clinical supervision

• enhanced technology-based evidence-based practice model and its applicability to large human service organizations.

• using information technology to provide evidence for planning and evaluating programs

• using technology in advocacy

• the geographic information system (GIS) as a useful tool in all aspects of programs and policies

• evaluating practice through information technology

• the development and evaluation of an online social work service

• psychotherapeutic group intervention for family caregivers over the Internet

• support group online chat

• a case study of how Internet chat group technology can be implemented with cancer survivors

• technology as a service learning mechanism for promoting positive youth development in a community-based setting

• a model which can be used to collect information and—by using best evidence available—arrive at a confident decision

• and more!

Information Technology and Evidence-Based Social Work is timely, stimulating reading for educators, undergraduate students, graduate students, and practitioners in the fields of social work, psychology, and public administration.