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The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for administrative tasks in social work has sparked debate among practitioners.

This follows calls from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and the Union of Social Workers in support of the government. regulating AI and addressing ethical concernsas in matters of confidentiality, bias and quality of practice.

Currently 28 councils in England are using or trialling the Magic Notes tool to produce case notes from visits, with a pilot finding it reduced the time spent on assessments and case recording.

Other local authorities use Microsoft’s Copilot, an AI program that, like Magic Notes, transcribes meetings and generates notes and actions based on prompts.

However, the use of AI in social work is still in its infancy. A recent Community Care survey of 713 respondents found that 79% were not using tools like Copilot or Magic Notes.

However, the issue has sparked significant debate within the comments section of the corresponding article.

“Taking good notes is a key skill in social work”

Victoria warned that “wasting time is not conducive to promoting social work skills and knowledge”.

“We dismiss professional skills and learning gained from summarizing notes and interactions, making choices, and viewing the need to write good notes as a key social work skill that facilitates reflection and decision-making” , she added.

Victoria also questioned councils’ consent policies, including whether people were clear that their information would be interpreted or summarized using AI.

DK, who said he is not opposed to AI assistance in recording meetings, said note-taking is an essential skill in social work decision-making.

“It is often the act of writing notes that provokes thought and reflection that prompts action, that takes practitioners from simply recording ‘what happened’ to thinking about ‘so what’ and ‘what now?'” they added.

“AI could lead to greater risk aversion”

Sally Pepper, a mental health social worker, “cautiously welcomed” the use of AI as a time-saving tool, but questioned whether its recommendations would become “a standard for measuring my work”.

“I fear that AI could lead to greater risk aversion, contrary to a strengths-based approach and human rights,” she added.

“What will AI recommend about a person who frequently self-harms and has suicidal intentions? »

She called for social workers to be involved in the process of designing the tools, which should be adapted to local needs.

Beam, the company behind Magic Notes, confirmed that before rolling out the tool, it worked with local authorities for a few weeks, tailoring the program to its needs.

“If it can help me focus on difficult dilemmas by spending less time on simpler things, I’m all for it,” Sally added.

“However, it is a complex system, which is becoming more and more complex, with all the risks and ethical problems that this implies.”

“Tools can make mistakes”

However, some social workers have warned that AI could only add to their workload.

“Social work is in the mess it is today because leaders are seduced by ‘innovation,’” Tahin said.

“Electronic notes were intended to allow social workers to spend more time outside the office. Result? More time spent on administration in front of a screen.

Another practitioner, Sabine, warned that AI tools could lead to errors in assessing or following recommendations.

“I just hope no one finds themselves in a situation where managers say, ‘Well, do what the AI ​​says’.”

David Gaylard, a lecturer in social work, warned that even “well-intentioned innovations require careful regulation”.

“Such technical advances should not replace crucial professional thought, judgment and decision-making. Otherwise, what is the point of becoming a licensed professional if prefixed words or prompts alongside defined algorithms can determine complex social work decisions? »

“If we do not accept change, change will change us”

However, not all reviews were negative.

Social worker Jimmy Choo praised Copilot for helping him save time and improve the spelling and professionalism of his writing, although his employer has since stopped using the system.

Another, Fab, called the implementation of AI in social work “essential,” adding that it could “significantly improve productivity.”

“Social workers must not be left behind,” added Kudakwashe Kurashwa. “We need to engage with AI and work to address the bad sides of the technology.

“If we don’t accept change, change will change us. I am ready for the future of social work, with AI and other disruptive technologies such as fintech!

Would you use AI tools to record case notes?