Technology for independence and prevention (September 2024-March 2025)

The Context

While technology has been part of adult social care provision and used by people who receive care and support for decades, advances are being made that offer both new opportunities and potential challenges. This Network will focus on how emerging technologies can be used to support people to live well and independently as well as how they can be used to prevent harm.

Discussion Materials (PDF)
Easy Read Discussion Material (Word)

Evidence Review

The initial evidence review was written by Professor Kate Hamblin and Dr Anastasia Rousaki. They looked at:

● Key issues affecting technology in social care,
● The differences between the four UK nations when using technology in social care
● The future of technology in care, such as the use of artificial intelligence
● The biggest challenges of using technology in social care for both care staff and the people using the technology, ethical considerations and digital exclusion.
● Ideas to help people overcome the challenges and barriers
● Ways to move forward

Networks are meeting across the UK, coordinated by:

In England:
Spring Housing Association (lead by Peter Homer at the For Good Factory)
Involve Me Digital Health
Northamptonshire Carers

In Northern Ireland:
DHCNI_Digital Health and Care Northern Ireland

In Scotland:
Bute Consultancy (lead by Andy Wynd)

In Wales:
Llesiant Delta Wellbeing
Jo Clough (Orcid Profile and LinkedIn)

In the first network meetings, participants got to know each other and understand more about IMPACT and how the networks will work.
They read the evidence review and were all asked to share their experiences of technology in care and if they agreed or disagreed with the findings in the evidence review.

Key problems that people in the networks reported

  • Technology often isn’t tailored to individual needs.
  • People struggle with using and maintaining tech, especially if they’re not tech-savvy.
  • Rural areas in particular can have very bad internet connections.
  • People get tech but don’t know how to use it or understand the information it provides.
  • Care staff and people using the technology need better training.
  • Many carers and people who need care, are not able to use digital technology at all.
  • Evaluation is lacking: How to measure if the technology is actually helping people.

What they want to do

  • Make tech fit people, not the other way around. Technology needs to be personalised and easy to use for everyone.
  • Networks want to create support systems to help people understand and use technology.
  • Develop better training for everyone involved.
  • Create a clear plan for how to use technology in social care.
  • Listen to users and carers to make sure the technology is meeting their needs.
  • Set clear guidelines for how to choose and use technology in care.
  • Make sure everyone, including those in marginalized communities, can access and use technology.
  • Make sure that there are good ways to see if the technology is working.

People in the networks shared their real-life examples of how technology is used, both good and bad. These examples help understand the problems and find solutions.

“Practitioners are not reluctant because they are unwilling to engage with tech, it is driven by a lack of time/time out to get space to learn and reflect on how tech could help the people accessing services. They also face a lack of evidence to guide its safe use. Time to adapt is needed – how can this happen in the face of such huge pressures and new demands from Government or CQC etc”

Key Issues

  • Tech is too complicated. Many devices are hard to use, especially for people with disabilities or those who aren’t tech-savvy. Things like fall detectors that go off for no reason frustrate people.
  • People are concerned about who has their data and what it’s used for. They worry about things like “Alexa always listening” and the potential for scams.
  • Technology needs to be designed to be easy to use for everyone, including those with “invisible disabilities.“ It should help people connect, not replace human contact.
  • People need help finding the right technology for their needs. They want tools that compare products and offer training.
  • When devices break or reset, people often don’t know how to fix them. They need ongoing support, not just when they first get the technology.
  • Many people cannot get good internet connections, making digital technology impossible to use.The switch from analogue to digital phone lines is causing problems for telecare users.

Networks wanted to learn from the other groups’ experiences, and found a lot of similar concerns and worries, which is both reassuring that they’re not alone, but highlights that many of these concerns are not being addressed.

Overall, network members shared the view that people want to be involved in the design of the technology. They want to make sure that the technology is inclusive, there is a clear plan for how to use technology in health and social care and there should be easy to follow guidelines.

The networks asked for more evidence on the following topics:

  • Current validated assessment tools for down syndrome and early onset dementia
  • How AI is being used in healthcare and how/if it overlaps and interacts with social care?
  • Resources and templates for creating accessible digital transition guides
  • Evidence and advice on addressing scams and privacy concerns for vulnerable groups

At this stage, networks are turning their discussions into real action, focusing on practical steps to improve how technology is used in social care and working together to overcome challenges to make a positive impact.

What they are doing (Action Plans):

  • Northern Ireland:
    • Focusing on helping people choose the right technology and removing barriers to using it.
  • Scotland:
    • Developing an app for people with Down Syndrome to manage their health and well-being.
    • Providing IT support and addressing issues related to assessment tools.
  • Leeds (England):
    • Creating a public campaign to build trust in technology and make it easier to access.
    • Building a “community of collaborators” to test and share technology.
    • Creating Leeds principles for good technology implementation.

  • Birmingham (England):
    • Focusing on protecting older adults from scams.Reviewing existing resources and inviting experts to discuss solutions.
    • Creating a digital support framework.
  • Northamptonshire (England):
    • Planning demonstrations of assistive technology.
    • Producing case studies.
  • Wales:
    • Developing a neuro-divergent technology toolkit.
    • Advocating for “tech champions” to provide support.
    • Exploring AI and it’s impact.
Networks are at different stages and are now finalising their action plans and theory of change.