Understanding Diagnosis and Evaluation in Social Work Practice

Posted on Jul 12, 2025 in Psychology and Sociology

The primary aim is to establish a hierarchy and conduct a needs assessment, leading to intervention in social work cases, based on issues identified by the professional.

MOIX’s Key Periods in Social Work Process

  • Data Collection
  • Study and Evaluation
  • Diagnosis
  • Temporary Application of Solutions
  • Completion

Francisco Garcia Fernandez: Diagnosis Steps

Francisco Garcia Fernandez explains diagnosis as a process step comprising:

  • Knowledge of Social Reality
  • Technical-Scientific Interpretation of Social Reality
  • Professional Action Strategy

Teresa Rossell’s View on Social Work Diagnosis

Teresa Rossell stated that diagnosis is based on a study or collection of interrelated data, leading to a synthesis and interpretation. The social worker must combine the study, data interpretation (diagnosis), and intervention (treatment).

Defining Diagnosis in Social Work Intervention

Therefore, diagnosis is a concise interpretation and professional assessment of a situation that requires professional intervention. It serves as a methodological cornerstone of the process, from which objectives are set, decisions are made, and action plans are developed.

The Role of Prognosis Within Diagnosis

Within the diagnostic process, prognosis emerges. The prognosis indicates the possibility of reversibility of the social situation under study and the means to improve it. It also outlines the potential for care from the current service, other departments, or other professionals. Expected changes, necessary resources, and the attention the service can offer are identified. This allows for the definition of objectives, priorities, and action deadlines.

Hamilton’s Perspective on Diagnostic Judgment

Hamilton asserted that diagnosis is the study of the subject’s environment, including their cultural, social, and adaptive patterns, associated conditions, and attitudes, all in relation to the specific problem and expressed need. A diagnostic judgment is thus called for.

Linking Evaluation and Diagnosis Concepts

The concepts of evaluation and diagnosis are intrinsically linked.

Understanding Diagnostic Evaluation

Diagnostic evaluation involves understanding the psychosocial functioning of the person concerning their problem, their capabilities, potential, and utilization of both external and internal resources.

Levels Considered in Situation Study

The author offers three levels considered in the study of the situation:

  • Descriptive Level: Synthesis of the problem and the situation
  • Causal Level: Search for causes
  • Assessment Level: Elements for personal and social improvement

H. Harris Perlman’s Types of Diagnosis

H. Harris Perlman talks about three types of diagnosis:

  1. Dynamic Diagnosis
  2. Clinical Diagnosis
  3. Etiologic Diagnosis

C. Robertis’ Definition of Diagnosis

C. Robertis defines diagnosis as the analysis of the situation; that is, the compilation of all elements relating to a problem or a request brought by a user to a social worker, and the relationship between these elements.

Key Elements in Diagnostic Analysis

These elements include:

  • The global context where the situation is reviewed
  • The labor sector
  • The service
  • The social worker
  • The user

Garcia Paz Longoria: Research and Diagnosis

Garcia Paz Longoria identifies two important interrelated concepts:

  • Research
  • Diagnosis

Research expands the theoretical basis of social work and serves a practical function: to provide specific data on particular situations where intervention is sought. In social work, this is often referred to as intervention research and forms part of a specific methodology. Research is conducted with the aim of solving a social problem.

Characteristics of Evaluation in Social Work Cases

  • Continuing
  • Iterative: Aids understanding and planning
  • Dynamic: In constant evolution and movement
  • Requires both general and specific information
  • Requires foundational knowledge
  • Individualized: Each person and diagnosis is unique
  • May have limited opportunities for information gathering
  • Key tasks include: Identifying needs and problems, determining methods for obtaining necessary information, and ensuring information validity.