The
Delaware Department of Services for Children,
Youth and Their Families has incorporated the
use of a digital cellular technology into their
social work practice. The digital cellular technology
(Cellular Digital Packet Data or CDPD) used by
social workers and probation officers operates
under the same principles as a cellular telephone
in that it uses a wireless connection to link
them to the Department’s central database.
Social workers have laptop computers available
to them when they are out in the field. The workers
who use laptop computers equipped with this technology
are trained in its use, restrictions, etc. While
in the field, workers may access the central database
via their laptops to review existing client information
or enter new information without having to return
to the office. The advantages of immediate system
access are obvious; reduced transit time, more
time available to work with clients and the ability
to enter data while it is fresh. The wireless
link ties in to the central information system
through a “thin-client” application using CitriX’
MetaFrame processing. The use of thin client technology
transfers the heavy computational workloads to
a central “farm” of several servers with high-speed
connections to the database and significantly
improves performance. The MetaFrame server is
set up to “suspend” or hold each user’s session
for up to four hours in a way that allows the
user to reconnect without losing data in case
the connection is interrupted. All transmissions
are encrypted to maintain confidentiality.
Intuitively, one can say that a social worker
being able to spend more time in the field is
a benefit. Therefore the initial cost investment
for the equipment and the cost of the wireless
service might be outweighed by value of increased
time in the field working with clients.
Digital cellular technology, however, runs at
optimal capacity when there is a strong radio
signal. Often when a social worker is in rural
areas or inside a building the data transmission
process can be significantly slowed down. Despite
these challenges, using this technology is a positive
move towards removing burdens of note taking and
additional data entry from social workers.
For more information please contact Eugene Mitchell
at (302) 892-6404 or email at emitchell@state.de.us. |
