AI software a 'game changer' for social workers

Artificial intelligence (AI) software cut the hours that social workers spent on admin tasks by more than 60% in a recent pilot scheme.

Magic Notes, a tool which records conversations and generates assessments, was trialled by 19 Swindon Borough Council social workers, with "overwhelmingly positive" results.

The workers were able to spend more time “engaging in meaningful, person-centred conversations with those they support”, the council said.

Councillor Ray Ballman, cabinet member for adult social care, said Magic Notes had been "a game changer".

The software, developed by UK-based organisation Beam, was trialled across 184 meetings between April and June and led to an average 63% drop in the amount of time that social workers spent on compiling assessments.

The council said that the average time to conduct an assessment dropped from 90 minutes to 35 minutes, and the time needed to write up assessments fell from four hours to 90 minutes.

Social workers with their own obstacles at work such as visual impairments, English as a second language or dyslexia, also reported that the tool fostered a “more inclusive” workplace culture.

Others said it had made them feel more confident in their role.

Ms Ballman said: “We are now carefully considering the next steps, looking at how we can further leverage this technology to support our colleagues and enhance the quality of care we provide.”

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