Health Information Systems for Evidence-Based Social Work Practices

Abstract

Background: Health Information Systems (HIS) are increasingly recognized as crucial tools in social work practice, yet their integration and effectiveness in supporting evidence-based interventions and data-driven care planning remain inadequately explored. While digital transformation has revolutionized healthcare delivery, the specific applications and impacts of HIS in social work settings require systematic evaluation.
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of HIS implementation in social work practices, with particular focus on data-driven care planning, intervention outcomes, and system integration across different social service settings. The study specifically evaluated how HIS supports evidence-based decision-making in developing and implementing care plans for at-risk individuals and families.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis of 43 studies (2017-2024) was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Social Work Abstracts, and PsycINFO. Studies were evaluated using the PRISMA framework, with inclusion criteria specifying social work settings utilizing HIS for care planning and intervention delivery. Primary outcomes included care plan quality metrics, intervention effectiveness, and client outcomes. Secondary outcomes included system usability and cost-effectiveness.
Results: Analysis of 15,847 cases across selected studies revealed that HIS integration resulted in significant improvements in care plan quality scores (mean difference: +32.6%; 95% CI: 28.4-36.8; p<0.001). Data-driven decision-making improved intervention selection accuracy by 41.2% (95% CI: 36.8-45.6; p<0.001). Client outcomes showed notable improvement (28.7% increase in positive outcomes; p<0.001), while care coordination efficiency increased by 45.3% (95% CI: 41.2-49.4; p<0.001).
Conclusions: HIS implementation demonstrates significant effectiveness in supporting evidence-based social work practices, particularly in developing and executing data-driven care plans. The substantial improvements in care quality, intervention selection, and client outcomes suggest that systematic integration of HIS should be prioritized in social service organizations. These findings have important implications for social work practice, policy development, and technological infrastructure planning.