Electronic information systems in human service organizations: Using theory to inform future design

Abstract

The problems with current forms of electronic information systems (IS) implemented in human service organizations have been well documented and attention is now focussed on how they might be redesigned for the future. The aim in this article is to demonstrate how previous research and theory can provide useful insights into these problems, which, in turn, can provide guidance for future research-based approaches to redesign. Ideas from ‘cognitive systems theory’ (CSE) and more specifically ‘joint cognitive systems’ (JCS) are explored in relation to the main problems that have been identified with current forms of IS.

Electronic information systems and social work: principles of participatory design for social workers

“…The Joint Cognitive Systems (JCS) approach "offers a principled approach to studying human work with complex technology and provides a conceptual framework for analysis with concrete theories and methods for joint system modelling" (Mouloudi, Morizet-Mahoudeaux, & Valentin, 2011, p. 110). The author has applied these concepts to explore the reasons why problems have arisen generally with IS in human services organizations (Gillingham, 2014b). A key principle from the JCS approach is that an important measure of success in the implementation of technology is the extent to which it can demonstrably amplify the ability of workers to do their jobs (Hollnagel & Woods, 2005).…”

Socio-political development of countries in information society. Countries of the EU

“…The problems with current forms of electronic information systems (IS) implemented in human service organizations have been well documented and attention is now focused on how they might be redesigned for the future [18].…”

Specialist Communication Skills for Social Workers

“…Rather, policy highlights an alignment with principles and provisions within new legislation for children's services that places children, young people and their parents and carers as central actors in assessment and planning through similar person-centred processes of co-production, involvement and decision-making (The Children and INTRODUCTION BASW, 2012; All Party Parliamentary Group on Social Work 2013). The prescription over the type and nature of information recorded, alongside the sheer cumbersome nature of the electronic systems, has negative consequences for the creative quality of social workers' enactment of personalised responses and professional autonomy McGregor, 2013;Gillingham, 2014a;Gillingham, 2014b). Moreover, the severe financial constraints upon public spending have affected the level and choice of service available to ameliorate the circumstances of social work service users.…”