Community Care & Support Tech Study

A coalition of UK care sector organisations have launched an in-depth study into the penetration of care management software in community-based based care and support.

This study comes in a year in which care tech adoption has moved at pace, with just over 70% of care providers now using a digital social care record (DSCR) solution. The March 2024 target for 80% adoption was missed, however, with government analysis showing that the largest and smallest providers are the least likely to have made the switch from paper.

The organisers hope the study will reveal details about the obstacles to technology adoption at every level of the care sector, and help the industry identify where the greatest support is needed for digital transformation. In particular, the organisers are concerned about complex care and people with lifelong support needs, where some of the most highly-dependent people are cared for by some of the smallest businesses.

The survey can be completed anonymously, it takes about 10 minutes and is open to anyone who provides care or support - whether as a care professional, a family member or a member of a support network.

Take part in the survey at: https://form.jotform.com/242533355400346

The stakeholders behind the study are:

• Brainkind, the UK’s leading charity helping people to reach their best potential after a brain injury
• Self-Directed Support Network England, which provides peer-led problem solving, access to sector specialists, resources and learning opportunities to health and social care commissioners, operational teams and service providers
• Colligo Labs, a transformation consultant to care businesses
• Total Care Manager, the complex care management platform
• National Care Forum, the leading association for not-for-profit social care.

Chris Watson, Colligo Commissioning Labs and Chair of SDS Network England says:

“Many people using Self-Directed Support (SDS) funding are left to manage their care and support arrangements alone and without care management systems in place, which can create numerous challenges.

“While SDS offers greater choice and control, it often requires individuals to navigate their care and support needs, manage budgets, and coordinate their support teams, all without any digital infrastructure to support them.

“For people with lifelong care and support needs and their families, this can sometimes be overwhelming. If we are truly committed to promoting choice, independence, and self-direction, we must work harder to ensure that individuals using SDS have access to the same tools and systems that are available to more traditional care providers.

“Only then can we really support and empower individuals and families to take control of their care and grow the numbers of people benefitting from local authority or NHS personal budgets.”