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Web-Based Tool for Social Work Effectiveness Evaluation

Minna Kivipelto (National Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. +358-295247760, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland, E-mail: minna.kivipelto@thl.fi)
Sanna Blomgren (National Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. +358-295247068, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland, E-mail: sanna.blomgren@thl.fi)
Paula Saikkonen (National Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. +358-295248133, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland, E-mail: paula.saikkonen@thl.fi)
Pekka Karjalainen (National Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. +358-295247055, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland, E-mail: pekka.karjalainen@thl.fi)

This article studies the development of a tool called “KEY”, which is an online measure for determining the effectiveness of an intervention in social work. The tool is based on the assumptions of realistic evaluation and it takes advantage of single case design and ICT. Using the testing-phase results, it is firstly explored whether this measure is suitable for evaluating the effectiveness of social work interventions with adult clients. Secondly, it is studied what this online tool brings up for knowledge production in social work practices. The article also highlights some challenges that should be taken into account during further development of the tool into an online application for social work practices.

Keywords: Social work, effectiveness, evaluation, information and communications technology, ICT