Technology and data integral in transforming social care delivery
The Good Care Group is an award-winning national provider of 24 hour live-in care to support older people. Over 60% of their clients are living with a form of dementia, but they also support clients with a diagnosis of Parkinsons, MS, and those considered generally frail. The Good Care Group uses innovative digital solutions to provide real time responsive care and support to their clients, keeping them safe in their own homes, as well as improving health and wellbeing outcomes.
Dominique Kent, Chief Operating Officer for Sodexo Homecare, says:
“Being an entirely digital care group means we have data at our fingertips to make improvements by detecting patterns and disparity and reacting immediately. It’s a natural and sensible way forward, but it's been revolutionary for us, our clients and staff. I know I could never go back and to be honest, I don’t know how we managed before we did this.
"Our system is called ‘Good Care Together’ and it allows carers to update records, submit requests to head office and connect with one another wherever they are. When we generate a new client record the system populates other areas reducing the need for duplication and multiple form filling. It not only reduces time but it also flags areas of concern and where further information is required to generate a care plan. Amazing!
"Residents have their own log-ins, for transparency purposes, so that everyone is able to see everything recorded in their personal file. My managers can log-in and immediately see what’s going anywhere around the company. They can check sleep patterns, fluid and food intake or whether a carer’s taken their break; all without having to travel to the clients’ homes.
"What’s really amazing is how quickly I can access and analyse the real time data that allows us to understand what is happening, build evidence to support any significant changes needed and be more strategic in the way we care for people. Using the data, I can see the correlation between chest infections and hospital admissions; causes of falls and triggers for incidents of unexpected behaviours. This means that we can factor in preventative measures to reduce risk, minimising incidents and accidents.
"Our Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) generates flags centrally when a person hasn’t taken their medication and allows us to follow up immediately. I’ve seen huge improvements in safety since its introduction, without any medication errors which involve the regulator having to be notified. Our carers use the system with ease and efficiency because of its simplicity. We’ve been able to use the system to introduce urinalysis testing kits, and by doing so we’ve been able to evidence a 68% reduction in emergency intervention for urinary tract infections.
"Our biggest endorsement has come from those we provide care for. Our client satisfaction rates from a recent survey show we’re fulfilling our commitment to improve health and safety outcomes; 94% of people who responded say we’ve made a positive difference to their life. That’s all we really strive to achieve.”