A recent survey conducted by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has revealed that a notable percentage of social care staff are not utilizing technology in their roles. The report published on March 6, 2026, highlights that despite advances in digital adoption within the sector, 27% of respondents indicated they do not use any form of technology in their daily work.

The survey, carried out in February and March 2025, showed an alarming trend among micro providers, where the figure of those not using technology surged to 40%. This raises concerns about the sector's ability to modernize and improve care delivery through technological means.

For those care providers who do employ technology, the report indicates that the most commonly used tools include monitoring sensors and equipment, personal alarms, and video appointment systems. The findings suggest that larger social care organizations are more likely to integrate technological solutions compared to their smaller counterparts.

One of the major barriers to technology adoption cited in the survey was the financial burden associated with costs and licensing fees. Additionally, issues such as staff training, cybersecurity concerns, and a general reluctance among some employees to embrace new technologies were noted as significant obstacles. Furthermore, the lack of digital skills among both staff and care recipients contributes to this challenge.

Connectivity issues also play a crucial role in hindering technology use within the sector. Many care providers, particularly smaller ones, struggle with reliable internet access, which is essential for the implementation of various digital tools.

Business Management Tech Adoption

The survey also explored how care providers leverage technology for business management tasks, such as maintaining digital records, e-rostering, human resources software, and video conferencing systems. Encouragingly, 80% of providers have now adopted digital records, which is a significant increase from the 40% recorded in December 2021.

Initially, the government had set a target for 80% of care providers to implement digital records by March 2024, indicating a strategic push towards digital transformation. However, this goal was not met until more than a year later, reflecting the challenges faced in the sector.

Further Insights on Technology in Social Care

• The adoption of digital social care records has now reached 80%, more than 18 months after the government's initial deadline.
• Plans are underway to train social care leaders in the use of advanced technology as part of the government's initiative to develop a digital national care service.
• A whitepaper from telecare provider Tunstall has advised the government to create a national strategy to address the ongoing fragmentation between health and social care.

Moreover, the survey revealed that 63% of providers utilize digital rostering software, while just over half employ video conferencing tools. However, disparities remain evident; for instance, 90% of large care providers reported using financial accounting software, compared to only 49% of smaller providers.

The social care sector has long grappled with the adoption of digital technologies, facing significant fragmentation between health and social care systems. The Labour government is actively working towards establishing a National Care Service aimed at enhancing public social care provision, with a renewed emphasis on integrating technology and allocating national budgets accordingly.

Currently, there is no standardized national budget for social care, leading local authorities to manage and allocate funds based on their specific priorities. In response to the need for digital transformation, the government introduced a digital leadership qualification in April 2025, designed to equip social care leaders with the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage digital innovations effectively.

Organizations in the sector are encouraged to focus on various technological advancements, including smart home technologies, telecare solutions, digital social care records, artificial intelligence, and robotics. By embracing these innovations, the goal is to transition social care from traditional analog methods to a more efficient and effective digital framework.

Source: ComputerWeekly.com News