Reflecting on the highlights, delivery and achievements of the Digitising Social Care (DiSC) Programme.
2023/24 highlights from Clare Steward, Programme Director
- Laying the groundwork and investing in digital infrastructure – We focused on building a solid foundation for digital transformation in adult social care, and we exceeded the national Digital Social Care Records target of 70% for Year 2.
- Empowering the workforce – We’ve equipped the workforce with the necessary skills and confidence to use new technologies effectively. Training programmes and resources including case studies, videos, demos, and Standard Operating Procedures were developed to bridge the digital divide.
- Understanding the market’s needs and priorities – We have conducted digital needs assessments, involved our stakeholders in the redesign process, and aligned project objectives with organisational goals and strategic initiatives. We also worked with our stakeholders to evaluate and update our governance processes and structure to reflect the emerging priorities.
- Early adopter successes – Acoustic Monitoring, Gaitsmart and PainChek are great examples of the transformative potential of digital solutions in social care. They are encouraging data-driven care planning.
- Remote monitoring – This is enhancing efficiency and scalability to accommodate larger patient populations, streamline operations, and reduce administrative burdens. We are improving resource allocation and utilisation through clinical consultations, automated processes, implementing standardised protocols, and leveraging technology.
- Celebrating our successes – We were shortlisted at the HSJ Digital Awards 2023 under the ‘Connecting health and social care through Digital’ category. Our application was particularly focussed on our collaborative approach towards a common goal – to improve the experience of care for residents and free-up valuable time for care staff to provide more personalised care.
- Securing funding – We were successful in our application for the Accelerating Reform Fund (£1,095,750), and we agreed the DiSC Year 3 plan funding (£400k). We also developed the Enhanced Wellbeing through Digital programme with Health Innovation East and the University of Hertfordshire to secure £1.1m to support 2,300 residents introducing PainChek (with early pilots in Central Bedfordshire) and RoboPets.
2023/24 delivery and achievements
Remote monitoring
Focusing on predictive analysis helped to develop capabilities that support early intervention and preventative services, and ultimately promote independent living. Supported collaboration and encouraged the efficient use of resources through better information sharing. Increased efficiency helped with managing workloads and freeing up staff time for other activities.
- MiiCare: on track in Year 1 of the three-year scheme, with 30 out of 140 (21%) kits issued – supporting 39 residents living and home, and reducing routine site contacts by 25%.
- Whzan: 3,079 residents supported across 90 care homes.
Digital records
Supporting greater care integration and coordination and the sharing of data and information.
- Digital Social Care Records: 80% (exceeded the 70% target).
- NHSmail: 123 active accounts – allowing the safe sharing of information and records.
- Proxy Access: 34% of care homes have full access (exceeded the 20% target) – saving 1,034 days of staff time, and reducing the volume of emails and calls from care homes to GP surgeries.
- Data Security and Protection Toolkit: 70% of care locations have achieved the standards – increasing digital solutions available to care providers.
Falls prevention
Equipped care providers to minimise fall-related injuries and improve response times to fall incidents. Promoting resident safety and wellbeing.
- Raizer II Chair: 175 chairs deployed across 145 care homes.
- Acoustic Monitoring: 343 residents supported across 12 care homes – resulting in a 6% drop in A&E attendance, and a 44% reduction in night-time checks (6,758 a month).
Thank you
We would like to thank the DiSC team, care providers, system suppliers, our community and voluntary services, residents, professionals, BLMK ICS and local authority leadership team for continuing to support and champion the DiSC programme. Thanks also to the NHS England and Department of Health and Social Care regional team for their support and guidance.
You can find out more about what we’re doing by clicking on each of the links below. For more information on the programme, or any of our projects, please email the team.