Digital records support care providers to work more efficiently and deliver more person-centred care

A project to support care providers in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to adopt digital records has achieved all its planned objectives and demonstrated an impressive return on investment.

The promotion, use and development of Digital Social Care Records (DSCRs) is a national initiative sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care and resourced through the Digital Transformation Fund. Switching to digital records was expected to generate a range of benefits for adult social care including better, safer care and a more efficient use of staff time.

Locally, this project was delivered by the Digitising Social Care programme hosted by Central Bedfordshire Council on behalf of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care System. 137 financial grants were awarded to support local residential care homes and home care providers with the system’s set-up costs. When the project closed in March 2025, 85% of local care providers had adopted a DSCR – exceeding the national target of 80%. 

The findings indicate £2.50 of savings were realised for every £1 invested, and anecdotal feedback from care managers strongly suggests positive impacts on how care is delivered and managed:

• Printing and stationery savings: An average of £681 saved by each provider each year.
• Less time spent on staff handovers between shifts: An average of £16,177 saved on operational care staff by each provider each year – allowing staff to use more of their time on direct care-related activities.
• Less time spent sharing data with GPs and other partners: An average of £10,901 saved on managerial staff time by each provider each year – streamlining reporting and audits, and allowing managers to invest their time in supporting their teams.
• Other benefits include improved quality of care for individuals, and improved efficiency and accuracy in recording information.

Sembia Johnson, registered manager of M&C Home Support Limited, said:

“We have better control in terms of monitoring and auditing – because the records are more thorough and easier for managers to look through. It ensures better communication and there’s better compliance and accountability.”

Winston Williams, operations manager of Winray Care Housing said:

“Previously, we sometimes had issues with medication being given on time, but with the DSCR we can see exactly who gives the medication and when. It is also much easier to share information with social workers, external agencies and GPs – there’s now no need to fill in separate paperwork or wait for information to come through.”

To find out more about the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Digitising Social Care programme, visit https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/about/our-priorities/data-and-digital/digitising-social-care-disc-programme or contact the team on blmkicb.digital.socialcare@nhs.net.