Utilization of aggregate information in social work: Deductive and inductive strategies

While computer technology enables social work departments to generate valuable aggregate data, utilization of that information has often been problematic and infrequent. This paper presents alternative utilization strategies based on a framework of deductive as well as inductive reasoning processes. The deductive strategy involves interpreting data on the basis of pre-determined professional standards as related to specific decision tasks. The inductive strategy involves the utilization of findings for further development and formulation of relevant ways to use such information. For each process, we first define the strategy in the context of computerized information systems, illustrate the application of the strategy and demonstrate the actual utilization of information so derived. The work is based on our experience in developing a countrywide information system for hospital social work departments in Israel.