The health and social care sector is currently experiencing rapid transformation as providers and regulators alike embrace digital care records and management systems to evidence good governance, compliance, and best practice to improve the quality of care and support provided to individuals.
What is the Adult Social Care Digital Transformation Fund?
The Adult Social Care Digital Transformation Fund aims to support this initiative with the aim of supporting 80% of CQC registered providers, and over 80% of service users receiving care and support to have a digital social care record by March 2024. It is hoped that by having a digital care record and a streamlined administrative process, service users will benefit from:
- Higher levels of quality services
- Safer care and support
- A higher level of personalised care and support
How to Access funding
There is support and guidance on offer for providers to access the next wave of funding – Digital Social Care. If you have already missed Wave 1 funding, then you still have time to apply for Wave 2 funding that will remain open until 20 September 2023, with a further wave of funding support being made available in the next financial year.
Applying for Funding
Eligibility Checks are in place to support you to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Identify your organisation’s specific technology needs: This could include:
- Communication tools
- Assistive technology devices
- Digital record-keeping systems
- Any other technology that could improve the quality of care and support. It may be that care management systems such as digital audits and quality compliance systems may fit in this area
Research and identify your technology solution:
- Take some time here and have trials and demos of the different models on offer that may meet your bespoke requirements before deciding on a final solution. Discuss with your local provider forums and local authorities to see if there is a preferred system available in your area
Develop your funding proposal:
- How will your chosen technology address your organisation’s needs?
- How will your chosen technology improve outcomes for your service users?
- How will your chosen technology support collaboration with other professionals?
Financial Implications:
- Clearly define how the funding is to be used by your service
- What are the costs of implementation?
Check and submit your application:
- Double check your application or use the support offered via Digital Social Care
- Submit your application on time
What the Adult Social Care Technology Fund can be used for:
- Technological investments
- Training and implementation
- Infrastructure enhancement
What the Adult Social Care Technology Fund cannot be used for:
- Routine maintenance
- General operating costs
- Non-technology expenses
If you have not already done so, then now is the time to prepare for the upcoming Wave 3 funding to make sure you have everything in place ahead of a release date.
In addition to the upcoming changes within the CQC and the launch of the Single Assessment Framework, if you have not already done so, now is the time to get ahead of the competition and make use of the fund to embrace systems that enable you to evidence and enhance the quality of life of service users receiving your care and support.
