Digital technology and capabilities in adult social care

NHSX, a joint unit of NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, have commissioned Ipsos MORI and the Institute of Public Care (IPC) at Oxford Brookes University to conduct two related reviews. The first focuses on the adoption and scalability of technology innovation in the adult social care sector. The second, which is conducted jointly with Skills for Care, looks at the digital capabilities of the adult social care workforce.

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.

There’s 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, more comprehensive body of evidence to help NHSX plan their future strategy.

Key stakeholders were involved in developing the scope of the reviews. 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 includes online surveys, telephone surveys, qualitative interviews, discussion groups and case studies with a range of audiences across England including care providers, technology suppliers, local authorities, care workers and personal assistants, people with care and support needs, and carers.

Want to know more?

Email digital@skillsforcare.org.uk for further information.

Print this page