ABSTRACT
Purpose
This scoping study aims to provide an overview of the functions, utilities and limitations of applying “decision support algorithms” (DSAs) in different social work contexts.
Method
The study involves searching the Scopus and Web of Science databases, which results in the inclusion of 55 articles in the analysis.
Results
We find important differences in the functions, utilities and limitations of DSAs according to the choice of data, variables, technology and social work context.
Discussion
The reviewed literature indicates that social workers are rarely involved in developing DSAs. This seems to result in a limited innovation of DSAs that are capable of stimulating the reflection of social workers and thereby qualifying their decision-making process.
Conclusion
This study calls for further research on how to enhance interaction between social workers at the street level and system builders and managers at the system level in developing DSAs designed for reflection.
Acknowledgment
The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.