A beginner’s guide to digital care planning: what is it and how it works

A phrase you might have heard in the social care sector recently is “digital care planning”; you may or may not know what it is already, or you may want to know more about how it works. This beginner’s guide is here to explain what digital care planning is and how it works.

What is digital care planning?

Digital care planning is the use of digital technology and software to create, manage, and update personalised care plans for individuals in healthcare or social care settings. It involves replacing traditional paper-based methods with electronic systems that enable healthcare providers, caregivers, and patients to collaborate, communicate, and access care-related information more efficiently, allowing for more person-centred care.

How does digital care planning work?

Digital care planning platforms usually include features such as:

Electronic assessment tools:

These enable care professionals to collect and record data about a service user’s health condition, needs, and preferences using digital forms and templates.

Care plan creation:

Digital platforms allow care providers to develop customised care plans based on the service users’ assessment information. This includes setting goals, identifying interventions, and specifying the responsible parties. Care plans can be customised and personalised to each individual service user allowing for person-centred care.

Collaboration and communication:

Digital care planning tools facilitate communication and collaboration among the care team members. They enable real-time sharing of information, allowing for management to always have access to care plans.

Progress tracking and monitoring:

Digital platforms provide mechanisms to monitor and track the progress of the care plan. This includes capturing data on interventions implemented, tracking outcomes, and recording any changes or adjustments made to the plan. This documentation can include notes, measurements, vital signs, medication administration, and any changes or adjustments made to the care plan.

Accessibility and mobility:

Digital care plans can be accessed from various devices, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, allowing care staff to review and update information wherever they are. This enhances the flexibility and availability of care-related data. Perfect if you are domiciliary, supported living or a care home staff member taking service users out for visits, reports and notes can be filled out instantly on the go.

Data analysis and reporting:

Digital care planning systems often provide analytical tools that can aggregate and analyse the data collected. This can help identify trends, measure outcomes, and generate reports for quality improvement purposes or to meet regulatory requirements. Ensuring care is to the highest standards and care plans and reports are filled out and filed correctly.

Overall, digital care planning aims to streamline and improve the efficiency, accuracy, and coordination of care delivery. It enhances communication among staff, reduces paperwork and time taken to complete this, promotes person-centred care, and facilitates data-driven decision-making.

Care Control’s care management software is proven to work in all types of care settings and is trusted by more than 37,000 carers in the UK. To find out more check out our case studies. Or, if you’d like to join them and give your care service a digital overhaul, get in touch with us to book a demo and find out how we can help your business.