TRANSLATING ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION IN SOCIAL WORK: ASPIRATIONAL CHANGES AND THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY

Automated decision-making using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is increasingly found in public- supported social work. This study analyses two cases in which RP A was implemented and disseminated in social work in Sweden. The first case took place in a Swedish municipality; the second case took place in a project conducted by the Swedish national agency for municipalities. These cases involve translations of aspirational changes related to RPA in decisions on social assistance. The study uses Actor-Network Theory to highlight organizational areas and issues in social work that must be addressed when RPA is implemented and disseminated. The study’s research questions are the following: What are the leading actors ́ ideas about aspirational changes related to RPA in decisions on social assistance? What is the role of technology in this context? The study revealed some similar aspirational changes in the two cases related to change management and maximization of services. Variations were found in other aspirational changes for RPA such as the issue of trust in applicants and the role of caseworkers. The study points to the need to increase applicants’ use of, and facility with, information technology. The formulation of “a why” behind these changes is important for caseworkers’ future role and use of discretion

The Technological Construction of Quasi-Markets for Education

A fundamental assumption in this article is that not only the public administration but also semiprivate and private agencies provide electronic intermediaries between public services and citizens in a quasi-market situation. The theoretical framework of this study views markets as constructed in contrast to natural phenomena. In these processes of construction the role of technologies such as the Internet is seen as decisive. This view will be applied to the quasi-market for upper secondary education using empirical experiences from Sweden. Two questions are addressed in the article: (1) How is the choice of education and available alternatives embodied in the electronic intermediaries and what are the accompanying consequences for citizens? (2) In what ways do public, semi-private and private actors take part in the design of electronic intermediaries in quasi-markets for education featuring as an element in quasi-market construction

eCareer Guidance in Quasi Markets for Education: Roles and Controversies

Educational and career guidance consists of various forms of support to individuals considering their educational and professional future. During the last five years various types of quasi-markets have been introduced in Sweden at all levels of the educational system. This paper presents some recent Swedish experiences of how publicly financed Internet portals are constructed and used as a means to provide guidance (‘e-career guidance’). The main question in the following is: what are the roles and controversies associated with the emergent construction and use of e-career guidance in quasi-markets for education? Ecareer guidance is more than anything seen as a source of opening up access to information. The most controversial aspects concern whether information should be neutral or not, and how it should be used. It is concluded that the aims with processes such as these are twofold: constructing a tool for e-career guidance as well as an intermediary between citizens and the quasi-market for education

Value positions viewed through the lens of automated decision-making : The case of social services

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Journal of Human Hypertension advance online publication

Globally, hypertension is poorly controlled and its treatment consists mainly of preventive behavior, adherence to treatment and risk-factor management. The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of an interactive mobile phone-based system designed to support the self-management of hypertension. Forty-nine patients were interviewed about their experiences of using the self-management system for 8 weeks regarding: (i) daily answers on self-report questions concerning lifestyle, well-being, symptoms, medication intake and side effects; (ii) results of home blood-pressure measurements; (iii) reminders and motivational messages; and (iv) access to a web-based platform for visualization of the self-reports. The audio-recorded interviews were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The patients considered the self-management system relevant for the follow-up of hypertension and found it easy to use, but some provided insight into issues for improvement. They felt that using the system offered benefits, for example, increasing their participation during follow-up consultations; they further perceived that it helped them gain understanding of the interplay between blood pressure and daily life, which resulted in increased motivation to follow treatment. Increased awareness of the importance of adhering to prescribed treatment may be a way to minimize the cardiovascular risks of hypertension

Mastery and Autonomy in Medication With a Mobile Self-Report System – A Project in Action

Abstract. The overall aim of this research program is to design and examine if a mobile phone-based self-report system can be used to a) mediate knowledge about hypertension b) improve adherence to antihypertensive treatment and c) increase patient participation and autonomy

Internet use, needs and expectations of web-based information and communication in childbearing women with type 1 diabetes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the childbearing period women use the internet both to seek information and as an important source of communication. For women with type 1 diabetes, pregnancy and early motherhood constitute a more complex situation than for women in general. This implies need for support from various professionals and a way of bridging any discontinuity in care would be to develop a website providing complementary social support and information. The objective of this study was to explore internet use, needs, and expectations regarding web-based information and communication in childbearing women with type 1 diabetes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data were collected via a web-based survey with an explorative and descriptive design, in which 105 of 139 eligible mothers with type 1 diabetes and recent childbearing experience participated. The data were analyzed with descriptive and analytical statistics, and open answers with a directed content analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 105 women, 22% never used the internet to search for information concerning pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. 12% searched for information every day, 29% one or more times a week, and 38% one or more times a month. Of the women 44% declared themselves to be passive participants on social websites, and 45% to be active participants. 45% had specific expectations of web-based support directed towards childbearing, especially those with higher educational level (<it>P </it>= .01). Expectations of instrumental and informational support included an expert-controlled website with reliable, updated, and information focused on childbearing and diabetes, improved access to diabetes care professionals and alternative ways to communicate and to receive childbearing-related support. The women also asked for online technical devices to manage the frequent monitoring of blood glucose during pregnancy. Informal, emotional, and appraisal support from women in similar situations was suggested as a way to provide an arena for belonging instead of creating feelings of alienation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results add important knowledge about the web-based needs of women with type 1 diabetes in relation to childbearing. This user directed study indicates specific areas of development for the provision of effective web-based support that includes facilities for reliable information, interactive support and social networking in this population.</p