Continuing the Debate of the Digitisation of Social Care
As the caring sector starts to move forward from the pandemic, digitisation is increasingly being addressed in the care home and care at home environment.
With the transition away from paper recording, with the added incentive that this is good for the environment, the data output of a person’s care can be more closely monitored, and trends evaluated, such as fall rates and hydration levels. Like all new processes, it is highly recommended that a care provision allows for time and training for the system implementation and having the resource from an external trainer in addition to internal digital champions, goes a long way.
As digital integration picks up the pace, the uptake of digital resources will continue until it becomes the norm in a care provision alongside best practice. The Outstanding Society February panel debate discussed real time examples of providers adopting digital practice, with tips such as making sure that training is given a high level of importance right from the start, after all ‘the output is only as good as the input.’
The panel debate highlighted that Digital care planning provides a platform for transparency of care, leading to effective and responsive care outcomes, which support the journey towards outstanding care. In addition, continuous improvement action plans provide evidence for the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Indeed, the CQC is increasingly producing guidance on the use of technology which managers of a care provision can reference back to.
The February debate discussed whether to move to digital from a cut off point or run paper records in parallel. This continues to be openly debated with no right or wrong, with a positive and open minded culture emphasised alongside the training needs. The panel emphasised being prepared for the use of phones on the shop floor, but not for personal use so don’t worry!
Digitisation, with meaningful data output, will transcend the care sector over time, as the integration between the services continues, enhancing that all important journey between services and ensuring the continuity of care.
