Information system support for case-based knowledge formation in social welfare: a cross-sectional study

<b>Background:</b> Although client information systems (CIS) should provide social welfare professionals (SWPs) with a comprehensive overview of a client's situation for case-based knowledge formation (CBKF), research into SWPs' user experiences is scarce. <b>Objective</b>: The aim of this study was to examine SWPs' experiences of CISs' support for CBKF. <b>Methods:</b> In 2020, a nationwide cross-sectional CIS usability survey was conducted with 980 respondents in Finland. The 16 questionnaire statements pertained to technical functionality, usability, client information quality and access to case-based information in CISs. The factors contributing to CISs' support for CBKF were analysed using univariable and multiple classification analyses. <b>Results:</b> The strongest predictors of CIS support for CBKF were usability and quality of information. Moreover, SWPs working in institutional care were more satisfied than their colleagues in other working environments. <b>Conclusion</b>: SWPs perceived the CISs' information quality to be good, but there was a need for improvement in usability, for instance, via comprehensive summary views and dashboards of essential information. <b>Implications for health information management practice</b>: The findings highlight that while the information quality of CISs is generally perceived as good, improving usability is crucial for enhancing support for CBKF among SWPs.