NHSX reviews on digital technology innovation and digital capabilities in Adult Social Care
NHSX, a joint unit of NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, driving the digital transformation of care, have commissioned Ipsos and the Institute of Public Care (IPC) at Oxford Brookes University to conduct two related reviews: the first one focuses on the adoption and scalability of technology innovation in the adult social care sector. The second one, which is conducted jointly with Skills for Care, looks at the digital capabilities of the adult social care workforce.
Please note: Findings from these reviews have now been published and can be found here.
This important project will help determine national policy priorities over the coming years and guide the sector on where to focus its efforts in relation to digital technology and skills in adult social care.
While there are examples of innovation enhancing care outcomes, evidence remains largely anecdotal through the experiences of care providers, local authorities, technology suppliers and users and carers around new technologies. To date there has been little research to identify the specific barriers to innovation, issues around supply and demand, and what the right conditions are for the adoption and spread of digital technology amongst care providers.
There is a significant evidence gap around the digital capability of the social care workforce, including current levels of digital skills, understanding of future need, and current provision and outcomes of training available.
This research aims to cover these evidence gaps and provide a stronger,
Key stakeholders were involved in developing the scope of the reviews and the reviews benefit from the input of an Expert Reference Group which includes stakeholders from across the sector. As part of the scoping exercise IPC and Skills for Care undertook evidence reviews to summarise existing knowledge and to help scope other aspects of the reviews.
Fieldwork for the two reviews will be taking place between April and June 2021. It will include online surveys, telephone surveys, qualitative interviews, discussion groups and case studies with a range of audiences across England: care providers, technology suppliers, local authorities, care workers and personal assistants, people with care and support needs, and carers.
If you want to know more about the reviews, have a query about them or would like to contribute, please contact Freddie Gregory or David Hills.
If you are a care worker or occupational therapist and would like to complete our survey to share your experience of using tech and digital skills please email [email protected] or call 0800 15 22 773 to take part.
If you are a technology supplier or a technology service provider working in the adult social care sector, please contact us at [email protected] so we can invite you to take part in the review.
