We know this can be a minefield as there are so many solutions out there. There are some helpful resources specific to care providers to give you guidance in this area. We try to demystify some of this here.
Example technologies being used by care providers:
• accounts systems
• care recording software that allows family members to log in and see how they’re loved ones are doing
• digitalised care plans
• digitalised record sharing between health and social care systems
• facilities management systems.
• matching’ software for carers and residents/those who need care and
• support
• medication stock control and dispensing software
• night time monitoring systems
• reporting systems
• staff rota systems
There are many Technology for Care events and exhibitions throughout the country where you can see and touch the sort of technology available. Look out for these on websites such as the National Care Association.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN AN IT SOLUTION?
You will need to look at various solutions and do your homework to work out which solution(s) will work best for your organisation.
For example:
Home care management system –CareLineLive
CareLineLive is an all-in-one cloud-based home care management system that supports:
• Compliance
• eMAR (electronic medication administration records)
• Payroll & invoicing
• Rostering & care management
• Care Circle portal
See the following case study: https://www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/success-story/mega -nursing-care-implementing-a-home-care-managemen t-system/
Moving to a new digital solution is going to be a learning process. A lot of care providers who have implemented digital systems say it is crucial that the system you choose is intuitive and easy to use and does what you need it to do. Ask other care providers of their experiences and what they use. Use your registered managers network. You can trial equipment to get a feel for if it will work for you. You will need to plan well, especially for training and learning.
ANTIBIOTICS
0:00 - 23:59 MEDICATION
DOSAGE GIVEN 1 X 5ML COMPLETED
STATUS COMMENTS
THE TECHNICAL BIT.
What is hardware?
Computers – desktops (big box) or laptops (portable).
What are devices?
Mobile phones, iPad/tablets etc. Access to the internet using a cable or in most cases these days a wireless connection. The link between computers and the internet is a LAN (Local Area Network). The bigger you are, the more equipment you will need. Broadband routers and firewalls are needed to connect. You will have an internet service provider (ISP) to be able to connect to the internet, e.g. BT, Virgin or Sky. Service types can vary depending on where you are and what you need. Strength of connection also needs to be checked. You can check this by going to the ISP website. They should tell you how many GB per second can be downloaded.
You may need to share information between computers or devices and this always needs to be done safely and securely. If you get this wrong, it could lead to problems.
What is software?
Programmes and apps held on your computer/devices and data stored either locally (e.g., on an on-premise server in your office/building) or in the Cloud.
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY (BROADBAND)
To be able to connect to the internet you will need broadband.
2
Internet Connectivity - Broadband for care homes, WiFi for care providers and mobile and satellite internet for care providers 1
The Digital Care Hub – links to useful guides specific to care providers (also a list of software suppliers in the social care sector) 3
An assured list of digital social care record solution suppliers to support adult social care providers 4 The safe use of mobile devices
BEDFORDSHIRE – CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL
Bedfordshire Care Group
https://dspt.bedscaregroupltd.co.uk/ SCHHServiceDevelopment@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH
The Care Alliance (Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough) admin@thecarealliancecnp.co.uk
www.thecarealliancecnp.co.uk
07831597711
5 Buyer’s guide for external IT Support –guidance document
6
Useful guide on Skills For Care - Becoming a ‘digital’ social care organisation
HERTFORDSHIRE, ESSEX, THURROCK AND SOUTHEND
Hertfordshire Care Providers Association* DataProtection@HCPA.co.uk
https://www.hcpa.info/data-protection/
01707 708 018
NORFOLK
Norfolk & Suffolk Care Support Ltd helpdesk@norfolkandsuffolkcaresupport.co.uk
https://norfolkandsuffolkcaresupport.co.uk/bsbc
01603 629211
SUFFOLK
Suffolk Association of Independent Care Providers admin@saicp.org.uk
www.saicp.org.uk
07949 381686
https://www.hcpa.info/data-protection/
DataProtection@HCPA.co.uk
