Utilising technology in care

This guidance has been developed to support those working in adult social care to take steps to increase their digital awareness by identifying areas for development. The framework has seven themes (listed below) and provides a range of resources for each:

• Using technology to support person-centred care
• Technical skills for using technology
• Communicating through technology
• Using and managing data
• Being safe and secure online
• Ethical use of technology
• Digital learning, development, and wellbeing

Learn how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, and how it could support the work of healthcare professionals.

This page features a selection of case studies showcasing innovative applications of AI currently being explored in social care.

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) offers a postgraduate level short course titled Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, designed to enhance understanding of AI’s current and future impact in the healthcare sector. This program is ideal for healthcare professionals and those in health technology industries seeking to understand and leverage AI to improve patient care and operational efficiency. The course is delivered online, allowing flexibility to accommodate professional commitments. 

This guidance outlines key principles for the responsible use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in adult social care, offering valuable insights for employers, AI developers, policy makers, local authorities, regulators, and care workers. 

The landscape of care is rapidly evolving, with technology driving this transformation. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) systems that predict health risks and wearable devices that enhance resident safety are creating unprecedented opportunities to improve outcomes and streamline operations. 
 
This newsletter is tailored for care home managers and staff who aim to stay at the forefront of this dynamic environment. Whether you’re beginning to explore these innovations or have already implemented some, our goal is to provide practical insights, resources, and case studies to inspire you to learn more about how AI and technology-enabled care could elevate residents’ quality of life, empower your team, and optimise your service.

This page presents seven guiding principles designed to help commissioners and service providers navigate the opportunities and challenges of using AI in social care. It also provides descriptions of each principle’s meaning and practical application.

This resource was developed by the BRACE Rapid Evaluation Centre, and is based on findings from a national study funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) of local authorities and care providers who implemented ‘new and emerging’ technology (in this case, home sensors with artificial intelligence or ‘AI’ capabilities). This booklet is organised to allow you to view questions that are relevant to where you are in the process of implementing technology – whether
you are just beginning to consider using technology or whether you are nearly ready to roll out a new technology within your organisation.

The Leading through digital change programme offers a unique opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to confidently adopt digital technology. This four-week practical course is designed for adult social care managers who want to lead digital transformation in their organisations but don’t quite know where to start or how to overcome the unique challenges in the sector. Designed and delivered in partnership by Skills for Care and National Care Forum, this programme is created to equip you with the knowledge and ability to identify and implement digital solutions that align with the needs of your organisation and the individuals who draw on your care and support.

In this fast-moving world, technology plays a huge part in daily life. The care sector is no different. Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is playing an increasing role in health and social care, with over 1.7 million vulnerable people relying on TEC to support independence in their own homes. This qualification helps you understand the positive impact technology can have on people and the improvements it can make to their quality of life. You will learn about different types of TEC available and how they can support people’s independence and well-being.

This webinar, recorded in June 2024, introduces Artificial Intelligence and examines its applications in a care context. It also discusses the risks of using AI in health and social care, including ethical challenges and potential solutions.

Sussex Digital In Reach Team provides a free platform on which Care Providers across Sussex can access free advice and support on technology, digitalisation and data protection. We are run by the care providers for the care providers.

NCFE Level 2 Certificate

This free course is split into manageable units:

• Introduction to technology enabled care that can be used to help support an individual’s quality of life
• Understanding a person-centred approach to technology enabled care that can support independence, health and well-being
• Understanding roles and responsibilities in relation to technology enabled care
• Introduction to legislation, safeguarding and regulatory requirements relating to technology enabled care

Victoria O’Regan – 1st November 2021

Those working within the health and social care sector will likely have seen an increase in the use of technology over the years. Looking to the future is essential in health and social care as the government set out long term goals to protect and improve the services provided. The use of technology to streamline processes, reduce workload, improve quality of care and deliver better outcomes to the public, are all factors that highlight its importance.

The adult social care sector is beginning to embrace the use of technology and learning how different types of technology can improve the ways care and support is provided. Read on to find out how care providing organisations are benefitting from using different types of technology.