E-social work as a new form of providing social services in Slovakia

E-social work is a modern approach to providing social services through information and communication technologies (ICT).Digitalization and technological progress create new opportunities for more effective communication with clients, monitoring their needs and coordination between professionals and institutions.Electronic platforms not only enable faster provision of assistance but also expand the reach of services, thus opening up space for innovation in social work.The rise of e-social work was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated the rapid adoption of digital solutions to maintain social services despite restrictions on personal contact.While international research increasingly explores the digital transformation of social work, empirical studies on this topic remain scarce in Slovakia.This study aimed to assess the status of e-social work implementation in Slovakia and explore social workers' perceptions of this new practice.A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted targeting social workers in the social service sector with experience in e-social work.Data were collected via an online questionnaire distributed through the Survio.skplatform between September and December 2023.The questionnaire included 18 items, both closed and open-ended, focusing on the advantages, disadvantages, and thematic scope of e-social work.Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS ver.24.0.The study provides insights into how e-social work is perceived and practiced in Slovakia, contributing to the broader discourse on digital transformation in social services.