Discoveries on a data-mining expedition: single session social work in hospitals

Data-mining is a method for practice-based research that draws on existing organizational data to inform practice issues and build social work knowledge. This article reports on how a study investigating social work practice questions about the nature and extent of single session work in hospitals was enhanced by accessing the extensive hospital patient data system. Useful descriptive statistics on the level, purpose, location, and activities of single session social work in nine hospitals in a region of Australia were generated from the patient data. The researchers also report on the importance of a consultative and collaborative process for effective data-mining outcomes.