Julian David
CEO, techUK
Social care plays a pivotal role in empowering citizens to lead healthier lives. Utilising technology to benefit the social care system can help UK citizens.
In recent years, tech innovation has improved the state of the care sector. For example, Docobo’s remote monitoring programme, which enabled staff to take residents’ readings at St Catherine’s Bungalows using digital devices, has seen an average of 60% reduction in doctor appointments and 56% reduction in visits.
However, we could be doing more. techUK has been dedicated to maximising technology’s positive impact on the UK’s social care system and has been developing a ‘Five Point Plan for CareTech.’ It highlights key avenues by which social care in the UK can be improved.
Citizen-focused outcomes: tech for all
For a true focus on citizen outcomes, the benefits of digital technology must be made available to all. The Department for Health and Social Care should map digital poverty and exclusion across the UK. It must provide support and a roadmap for local authorities to develop digital plans in collaboration with service users, staff and care providers.
Investment in tech-enabled services and skilled staff
Despite local authorities facing funding challenges, investing in CareTech can drive significant improvements and greater efficiency. Technology advances present a unique opportunity to enhance social care, allocating funds to support workforce development and implementing digital solutions for better care outcomes.
Integrating and planning services using
technology can streamline care provisions
Supporting integration of health and care
Collaboration between the health and social care sectors is essential to improving outcomes and experiences for UK citizens. Integrating and planning services using technology can streamline care provisions, leading to better experiences and results while reducing costs and blockages.
Data and interoperability
Interoperability is vital for delivering quality care as recipients move between different settings. Standardising data formats and promoting barrier-free data sharing through IT infrastructure investment would drive progress and transform the social care system.
Collaborating with industry
To innovate in social care, techUK encourages the fostering of collaboration between providers and suppliers, aiming to improve outcomes and break down barriers. Uniting technology suppliers, care providers and NHS staff in harnessing technology’s benefits is key to achieving real breakthroughs in care quality.
The Five-Point Plan for CareTech seeks to reshape the UK’s social care system through technology. By focusing on these five areas, decision-makers can ensure that technology drives positive change, empowering care recipients to maintain greater independence and ensuring better working conditions for care staff, leading to a brighter future for all citizens.
For more information, reach out through techUK.org
