NHS England’s digitising Social Care Programme releases new guidance on the use of AI in care work

NHS England's Digitising Social Care programme has recently released new guidance on the use of AI in care work. This initiative, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, aims to transform adult social care through digital innovation.

The new guidance outlines how AI tools can be utilised to streamline processes and reduce administrative time within the care sector. Technologies highlighted include:

> Sensor-based systems
> Chatbots
> Facial recognition
> Data analytics tools

Generative AI tools are specifically recommended for tasks such as drafting care plans, carrying out audits, monitoring daily care, and simplifying communication.

Key takeaways from the guidance emphasize:

> Ethical and transparent use of AI.
> Starting with small pilots for quick wins.
> Staff training going hand-in-hand with AI integration.
> Monitoring the impact of AI implementation.

The guidance also addresses important considerations like data protection (ensuring compliance with UK GDPR), and the need to mitigate bias in AI systems that could lead to discriminatory outcomes. The Digital Care Hub, commissioned by the Digitising Social Care programme, played a role in developing this guidance, convening meetings with care providers to discuss AI.

Full details on the guidance can be found here - https://beta.digitisingsocialcare.co.uk/get-help-set-choose-and-use-technology/ai-care-delivery

Digitising Social Care Programme

The Digitising Social Care programme, which is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and delivered by a joint team of DHSC and NHS England colleagues, commissioned the Digital Care Hub to develop guidance for adult social care providers on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Digital Care Hub, an independent consortium led by care providers, acts as a subject matter expert to the Digitising Social Care programme. They have been actively involved in gathering insights and co-producing this guidance. For instance, throughout 2024, the Digital Care Hub convened several virtual meetings with interested care providers to discuss AI, and the findings from these discussions contributed to the development of the guidance and "top tips" for using AI in adult social care.

This collaboration aims to ensure that the guidance is practical, relevant, and addresses the real-world needs and concerns of adult social care providers as they explore and implement AI technologies.

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) 

The "DHSC Digitising Social Care" refers to the comprehensive program funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and delivered by a joint team of DHSC and NHS England staff. Its core mission is to digitally transform the adult social care sector in England.

Here's a breakdown of what it entails:

Origins and Goals:

White Paper "People at the Heart of Care" (2021): The program stems from the government's commitments outlined in this white paper, which allocated significant investment (at least £150 million) to accelerate digital adoption in adult social care.

> Transforming Care: The overarching goal is to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of care delivery by embracing digital technologies. This includes making care more person-centred, reducing administrative burden on staff, and improving communication across the health and social care system.
Key Focus Areas:

> Digital Social Care Records (DSCRs): A major priority is to move care planning and information from paper to digital systems. The aim was for 80% of CQC-registered providers to have DSCRs by March 2024 (though some ICBs may have taken longer). DSCRs allow for real-time, secure sharing of information, enabling better coordination of care.

> Care Technologies: Promoting the use of various technologies like sensor-based falls prevention and detection, remote monitoring, and other innovative tools that can enhance care and support independence.

> Digital Skills and Literacy: Equipping the social care workforce with the necessary digital skills and confidence to utilize new technologies effectively. This includes providing training and resources.

> Cyber Security and Data Protection: Ensuring that digital systems are secure and that personal data is protected in compliance with regulations like UK GDPR. The "Better Security Better Care" program is a key part of this.

> Integration: Facilitating the seamless flow of information between social care and health systems (e.g., GP Connect) to provide a more holistic view of an individual's care needs.

Full details on the guidance can be found here - https://beta.digitisingsocialcare.co.uk/get-help-set-choose-and-use-technology/ai-care-delivery