Data and Information

"Data", sometimes "raw data", refers to the facts collected for some purposes.

"Information" refers to processed/organized data. However, the two terms "data" and "information" are used quite interchangeably in daily information, e.g. "Data is raw information".

Assessment or Diagnosis

"Diagnosis" refers to definition of the problem, while "assessment" would include the definition of the problem, and possible solutions. The term "diagnosis" has a "sickness" connotation, while "assessment" is more neutral.

• DSM IV is convenient in terms of providing clear definition, description and criteria for certain mental health conditions, such as paranoid schizophrenia, hyperactive and attention deficiency, etc. It also serves as a common language among mental health professionals. In many countries where financing of mental health services depend on the types of client conditions to be served, DSM IV is particular useful. For example, health insurance in the US covers mental health services and the reimbursable cost for "treating" paranoid schizophrenia will be much higher than "treating" depression.
• Yet, in the social work profession, there is considerable debate on the appropriateness of using DSM IV in our practice. DSM IV focuses on the individual while social worker has to deal with the person in the environment, such as within a family context. Furthermore, social work is more than just casework or "treating" people. Social work seeks also to change the environment and frequently uses group or community work approaches.

The presenting problem - the reason for the client coming to seek assistance

Most often, the clients come for tangible services, such as the application of housing and financial assistance. They may come on behalf of others, such as their children. They may see problems in others instead of themselves and want the social workers to change the others instead of working on themselves. There is a strong tendency among some social workers to find out the hidden problem or the "real" problem. Always try to work on the presenting problem as long as it is legitimate. Complete the task before moving into other aspects if the client is ready.

Client wants

When clients come to a social worker, they want something. They may, at times, have already objectives and solutions in mind. Though we should start where the client is, yet sometimes, the client may jump too fast on the solutions. We should always assess the links between the solution and the problem, the feasibility of the solution and the acceptability of such solution.

Data collection method

• The client may not know how to behave
• The client may feel rather nervous at the beginning
• Listen more and speak less - don't read documents all the time, don't argue just clarify, don't play around your pen or other things to distract.
• The technique of asking questions - not an easy task. We will learn more about it from research methodologies.

• At times, we would like to assess the situation by using some established measuring instrument in the form of a questionnaire or rating scale. These instruments are useful both in data collection and service evaluation.

• Other professionals, family members, etc. would be consulted to collect more information.
• Inform the client, as far as possible, before approaching the other people. Collecting information from other people will already reveal the fact the client is receiving your service and some clients do not like this to be known to others.

• We have to negotiate with the clients on the objectives and the action plan.
• Develop your negotiation skills starting from daily life.

• An explicit negotiated agreement between the social worker and client.
• It is becoming more and more in a written form.
• It lists out the objectives, short-term and long-term when appropriate.
• The action plan and the parts played by the client and the social worker.