Artificial intelligence in social work : A PRISMA scoping review on its applications

Abstract: Background: Capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are rapidly advancing, as are its potential applications. Examples of the adoption of AI in social work already exist, but an overview of its manifold uses is lacking. This review aimed to systematically assess the existing research focused on the uses of AI applications in social work practice and to spotlight use-cases yet to be explored. Methods: A scoping review was conducted guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework and adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic search was performed using the Scopus database. Eligibility criteria included pre-prints and published articles from January 2000 to April 2023 that emphasized AI implementations in social work practice. No limitations were placed on study design. Data extracted included: article details; country of study; the AI use-case and task; and the specific AI technology employed. Extracted data from all eligible studies were collated using tables and accompanied by narrative descriptive summaries. The review employed CAIMeR (a theory explaining the results of social work interventions) to  pinpoint gaps and highlight novel unexplored applications of AI in social work.  Results: Of the 159 identified articles, 28 satisfied the inclusion criteria. On average, three relevant publications surfaced annually, with approximately 60% hailing from the US. Notably, the absolute majority of the applications of AI were concentrated on predicting or elucidating individual’s health or social condition. Conclusion: Although AI possesses substantial potential, current research into its applications in social work remains surprisingly sparse and averaging a mere three studies annually. The prevailing emphasis of this research is on discerning individual health or social conditions. Given AI's multifaceted capabilities, there exists a substantial opportunity to broaden research into other applications. Informed by the CAIMeR theory, this review identifies several unexplored applications of AI paving the way for future research.