An information technology adjunct to case administration in frontline social work: a randomised controlled trial on outcomes for clients

Supervisors; Dr Tony McGinn, Prof Brian Taylor, Dr Johnathan Synnott, Dr Joanne Quinn

We asked our partners, in the world of social work practice, to suggest a research topic which had the potential to assist frontline social work staff. A dominant theme from this consultation was that the weight of administration duties puts pressure on client contact times. They described an interest in the evaluation of potential technological adjuncts, or substitutions, to the current administrative practices of front-line social work staff.

Method
Following a comprehensive literature review and stakeholder consultation (encompassing benchmarking consultations) the successful candidate would be supported to review the potential of up to three software applications which can deliver voice recording and filing functionality in a public service setting. It is likely that these applications will include speech-to-text technologies, voice recording technologies and project/time-management applications. With stakeholder input, one of these technologies would be chosen for a comprehensive evaluation in a randomised controlled trial. Social work service users’ feedback, on the quality of relationship they enjoyed with their social worker, will be a key outcome of interest.

Applications
Applicants must apply using the online form on the University Alliance website at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/how-to-apply/. Full details of the programme, eligibility details and a list of available research projects can be seen at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/

The final deadline for application is 12 April 2019.