Digitally transforming the care sector

Roughly 40% of care providers in the UK are still using paper-based records systems, Sajid Javid said in February. But the government is pushing for all social care providers to adopt a digital system – which could happen sooner than we think. To help speed up transformation in the sector, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is committing £150 million to see that 80% of care providers implement a digital system by March 2024 (an increase of 20%). Without the intervention, it’s estimated there would be a 12% increase.

“We will work with the sector to deliver this in the most effective way we can, and offer support to those who need it”, said the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. “I expect every health and social care setting to see this as part of their basic responsibilities in looking after those in need. After all, when it comes to matters of life and death we must embrace everything that has the potential to make care safer and more seamless.”

While social care is seeing investment to attain widespread digital transformation, integration of digital systems will also increase throughout the NHS. Sajid Javid explained “electronic patient records are the essential prerequisite for a modern, digital NHS. Without them, we cannot achieve the full potential for reform.” During his speech, Sajid Javid went on to announce that by the end of 2023, there will be 90% coverage for digital care records accessibility throughout the NHS. By this time, the final 10% should also have started the transition period.

Benefits of digital transformation in care

So what is the DHSC aiming to achieve? The benefits that digital transformation provides have been steadily on the rise and highly endorsed by the NHS and other major authorities in recent years. By digitising all records and improving links between services, different systems should be able to communicate with each other much easier. This means less admin work, faster and more effective results for care providers, and better services for patients. 

During a week-long tour of hospitals and care settings, Javid met a care professional who knows the benefits first-hand:  “As part of my tour I went to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, where clinicians on the front line told me how these records have transformed the way they work, saving their time, helping them to deliver better, safer care for patients.”

Other proven benefits of implementing digital systems include increased flexibility and higher accuracy of data through remote care recording, maximising the potential of existing resources, support with GDPR and data compliance, better monitoring capabilities, reducing physical storage space, increased security, and more.

How to adopt a digital care records system

Any care provider can adopt a digital system. A digital care records system is essentially a system which has been set up on a computer. This means moving entirely away from using paper and switching to a digital means of working. Care software providers, such as CareDocs, offer a digital care management system which allows care businesses to efficiently and securely store their records. Staff members with an account and the correct level of access can log in, create new records and access historic ones. Printing is still an option if necessary but digital files can be shared electronically to speed up results.

It is possible to set up your own digital system by saving all your work on a computer. However, this requires a lot of admin work to maintain and is more vulnerable to human error and security risk. Using a professionally designed digital system has a huge range of benefits which can help improve your service and they can better demonstrate that your business is caring, responsive, effective, safe and well-led.

The best way to find a system that works for your business is to look at different options on the internet. Here are some different points to consider before deciding on one:

• Is it right for your type of business? (E.g. is it compatible with residential / nursing / domiciliary care?)
• Is it compatible with your internet connection? (Does your connection cut out often?)
• Does the supplier provide the equipment needed to use it or can you use your own? (E.g. laptops)
• Does it offer all the features and tools you need to carry out your work? (E.g. point of care recording, remote care assessments and person-centred care planning)
• Is it cost-effective or are there hidden fees? (Some suppliers offer free products only to charge for extras later)
• Is the system ready for the future? (Does the supplier keep on top of compliance and release software updates?)
• Does the supplier take care of its customers? (Good training resources and customer service is essential)

Before choosing a system, always book a free demo so you can see the system in action, meet the team and ask questions.

To find out more about how CareDocs can help transform your business, please contact 0330 056 3333 or email sales@caredocs.co.uk.

Sources

Speech by Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid at the HSJ Digital Transformation Summit: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/health-and-social-care-secretary-sajid-javid-hsj-digital-transformation-summit-speech

People at the Heart of Care: adult social care reform: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/people-at-the-heart-of-care-adult-social-care-reform-white-paper/people-at-the-heart-of-care-adult-social-care-reform