New whitepaper explores how adoption of assistive tech can help social care sector

Social care technology specialist HAS Technology has launched its latest whitepaper, showcasing the benefits of digital innovation in supporting people throughout their care pathway.

The document explores how various technology-enabled care (TEC) solutions can prevent trips to the hospital and keep people safe and independent at home.

Entitled ‘How do we put people at the heart of digital care transformation?’, the whitepaper features real-life examples of how innovative technology is supporting strategic service management, improving conditions for the social care workforce and ultimately improving quality and outcomes for individuals.

A 2012 survey by Saga/Populus found that nine in 10 people would prefer to be cared for in their own homes if the need arose. Nearly one decade on, anecdotal feedback from professionals and industry observers suggest this is still very much the case for the majority of people, HAS Technology highlights.

Due to the need for social distancing throughout the pandemic, this has accelerated the adoption of new technology across the social care sector. Putting the service user at the centre of care delivery is critical to ensuring their individual journey is joined up, outcomes-focused and of a high quality, the whitepaper notes.

Jason Harries, MD at HAS Technology, said: “The power to assess health issues remotely and intervene as risks escalate allows for better resource management and improved outcomes for individuals. Whether we’re thinking about the bigger picture or what we’d like for ourselves and our family, it often simply comes down to the right high-quality care being delivered to the right person at the right time.

“Real-time information available to the relevant healthcare professionals can make this happen.

“Our white paper looks at how the adoption of technology and digital transformation can put individuals at the heart of care delivery. The inspirational user stories and case studies featured in the white paper highlight what is already being achieved around the country.”

In addition, HAS Technology has been supporting the prevention agenda with its ARMED (Advanced Risk Modelling for Early Detection) solution.

The whitepaper looks at examples of how its assistive technology devices has supported independent living, prevented health issues and eased pressure of the social care sector.

For instance, HAS Technology has been working with Cardiff Council to distribute wearable technology to residents in a bid to reduce falls.

The whitepaper reads: “Twenty people were initially identified to be a ‘falls risk’ and given the ARMED technology. Telecare Cardiff use the app on their desktop each morning to check the participants’ sleep, and activity data.

“When risk flags are raised that indicate an adverse reading, contact is made with the participant, their family or Allied Health Professional (AHP) colleagues to ensure the necessary steps are taken to prevent a fall from happening. The scheme is now being rolled out further.”

The document also looks at how the technology specialist has been working with Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership to use predictive TEC solutions to improve support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

It notes that using HAS Technology’s ARMED solution has improved sleep patterns amongst people with intellectual disabilities at the partnership through predictive analytics, which reduces pressure on night-time support services.

Furthermore, the company’s CM digital care management technology enables care delivery to be organised and delivered in line with the service user’s needs and wishes.

Nicola Jones, Project Officer in the Department for Communities at Carmarthenshire Council, said: “The CM solution has allowed us to be more responsive to service user needs and we use the competency levels and skills for matching the right support worker to each visit.

“Since introducing the technology we have been empowered with information to improve the efficiency and person-centred focus of our service, and we are proud of the difference this is making.”