NHSX reviews published on digital technology innovation and digital skills in Adult Social Care
NHSX, a joint unit bringing together teams from NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to drive the digital transformation of health and care, commissioned Ipsos, the Institute of Public Care (IPC) at Oxford Brookes University and Skills for Care to conduct two related reviews about digital technology used in adult social care and the digital skills capabilities of the adult social care workforce.
The technology review explored the current use and effectiveness of digital technology in adult social care (ASC), the barriers and enablers to accessing and supplying digital technology, and the potential for future use of digital technology. The skills review explored the digital capabilities of the adult social care workforce, including current levels of digital skills, understanding of future need, and current provision and outcomes of learning and development.
- See our blog for Research in Practice about the research and how the NHS Transformation Directorate have been using the findings.
Findings from both reviews have been published in one
An
Key findings in relation to technology use and adoption and digital skills are shown in two
Case Studies:
Case studies were
- Connecting health and social care records
- Costed support planning grid
- Digital care advisors
- Digital learning hub for social care
- Digital prescribing for falls prevention
- Respite care home technology
- Support to manage conditions at home
- Upskilling contact centre staff
- Using virtual reality in a care setting
- ‘What Matters Most’ app
Technical Note:
Both reviews began with a scoping phase, which included depth interviews with stakeholders and two rapid evidence reviews
Throughout the research, an expert reference group made up of representatives from the ASC sector was consulted, ensuring the project remained focused on what would be most relevant.
A mixed methods approach was used for both reviews to ensure a comprehensive understanding of digital technology and skills in the ASC sector was captured. This included online and telephone surveys, depth interviews and focus group discussions. The following groups were included in the research: adults with care and support needs, unpaid carers, members of the ASC workforce (care workers, managers, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses and others), care providers, local authorities, technology and service suppliers, and learning and development providers.
For more information about the samples and profiles of participants, please see the appendix. The research materials are also available.
- Summary Main report
- Technology review infographic Skills review infographic
- Technology review - Technology suppliers data tables Technology review - Care providers data tables
- Local Authorities data tables Skills review - Workforce survey data tables (All)
- Skills review - Workforce survey data tables (Registered Managers) Skills review - Workforce survey data tables (Non-Registered Managers)
- Download full report (ZIP) | 91MB