New guidance has been published by the government to drive the digital transformation of adult social care.

The guidance combined with the Digital Skills Framework will enable care employers to better equip staff with the skills to benefit from new technologies, enhancing patient care and providing staff with career development opportunities.

Minister for care Helen Whately said: “Technology embedded into care and support can be transformative both for people who need care and staff in the sector.

“Innovative technology in care settings improves care and can increase the time that care workers spend with the people they care for.

“The guidance and standards published today will give social care staff the support they need to improve their digital capabilities.”

Staff will be given training on how to use the technology which will include virtual care centres – where people drawing on care can access a care worker virtually for help and reassurance 24/7.

Care settings may choose to use the new structure to support staff in implementing new artificial intelligence monitoring technology which helps to reduce falls by tracking the movements of those receiving care.

The guidance covers seven key themes including: using and managing data, how to use technology for person-centred care and supporting a culture of good practice in using technology for personalised care.

Professor Vic Rayner, chief executive of National Care Forum, said: “The delivery of great quality, safe and person-centred care is the number one priority for all care providers. Digital approaches to the delivery of care should complement this work of care professionals and many innovative providers are already leading the way in driving this digital transformation, supported by teams who are digitally skilled and confident. 

“The publication of both the Digital Skills Framework as well as the What Good Looks Like guidance will be essential resources in the journey towards ensuring all providers and people who receive care and support services can benefit from a digitised adult social care sector.”