If you receive care or support, or provide support for a friend or family member, please take 10 minutes to complete this survey.
A coalition of UK care sector organisations has initiated a groundbreaking study focused on the use of care management software in community care environments. This initiative marks a departure from previous research by actively seeking insights from family members and support networks of care recipients, including unpaid carers.
The coalition comprises notable stakeholders such as the National Care Forum, the foremost association for not-for-profit social care; Brainkind, a charity dedicated to brain injury support; and Total Care Manager, which specializes in complex care management solutions. Additional partners include College Labs, a consultancy for care transformation, and the Self-Directed Support Network England, which offers peer-led resources and support for health and social care professionals.
This study is particularly timely, as 2023 has seen a rapid increase in the adoption of digital solutions in care, with over 70% of providers now utilizing digital social care record (DSCR) systems. Despite a previous government target of 80% adoption by March 2024, analysis indicated that both the largest and smallest providers struggled to transition away from traditional paper-based methods.
The organizers aim to uncover the barriers to technology adoption throughout the care sector, highlighting the need for tailored support in digital transformation, especially for those with complex needs and lifelong support requirements. This demographic often relies on smaller care businesses that may lack access to advanced technological solutions.
The survey is designed for anyone involved in care provision—be it professionals, family members, or support network participants—and can be completed anonymously in about ten minutes.
Graham Fisher, digital director at Brainkind, emphasizes the crucial link between reporting methods and care quality. “The approaches we use for management directly influence care safety and effectiveness,” he explains, noting the organization’s commitment to implementing digital care records. He observes a stark contrast in the community care sector, particularly for individuals with brain injuries, where many are still managed with basic systems like paper and Excel. Fisher hopes this study will clarify the extent of these challenges and pave the way for improvements in care continuity.
Antoine Tooley, CEO of Total Care Manager, highlights the unique challenges faced by individuals with lifelong care needs. “While they represent a smaller segment of the population compared to those with dementia, they often require extensive, long-term support, sometimes in home environments with management complexities akin to those found in hospitals.” He advocates for the availability of care management software in community settings to facilitate collaboration and better outcomes for those with disabilities.
Liz Jones, policy director at the National Care Forum, points out the diversity in care delivery methods beyond traditional care agencies and homes. She stresses the need for innovative solutions that cater to various care settings. “Our annual Care Innovation Challenge aims to connect innovators with industry leaders to drive meaningful progress in adult social care,” she notes, expressing hope that this study will reveal where technology provision is lacking and where change is most needed.
Chris Watson, chair of the Self-Directed Support Network England, addresses the challenges faced by those using Self-Directed Support (SDS) funding. He argues that while SDS promotes choice and control, many individuals struggle to manage their care without adequate digital support systems. “To truly empower individuals and families, we must ensure they have access to the same tools as traditional care providers,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of supporting independence and increasing the number of people benefiting from personal budgets.
As this study unfolds, its findings are expected to shed light on the current state of technology use in community care and highlight critical areas for improvement, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of care for some of society’s most vulnerable members.
