Better care in the age of automation

Doteveryone, a UK charity focused on how technology is changing society, has published a report “Better care in the age of automation” that sets out how technology can support a sustainable, effective and fair social care system. It does not prescribe tech solutions but describes the foundations needed for any technology to be responsibly and effectively deployed: a long-term investment in better data, more relevant skills, and empowered communities.

Interestingly (and not so surprisingly), the report finds current data collection to be inadequate and that there’s not enough evidence currently available for commissioners and providers to effectively roll out new technology interventions into social care services. Future innovation will be developed on the basis of these current, inadequate metrics, resulting in biased and uninformed decisions. It is therefore in the interests of the entire social-care sector to support a better care evidence base.