It’s almost 20 years since Electronic Care Monitoring (ECM) was first introduced. Technology has advanced greatly since then, with monitoring now a well-established practice – empowering staff with real-time service delivery information, whilst generating significant savings and efficiencies. H.A.S Technology Group commissioned some qualitative research to gain an understanding of the role of ECM in today’s fragile market and to learn more about Councils’ current practices and changing needs. The findings have now been published in the form of a White Paper.
The research was led by ADASS Associate Keith Skerman, who has a long track record of senior management experience in health and social care and an interest in ECM. Keith was commissioned by H.A.S. Technology to conduct research interviews with seven Councils.
Keith comments:
“Speaking with senior colleagues reinforced the benefits of ECM technology in terms of safeguarding, supporting quality and delivering efficiencies. These are as relevant now as they were 20 years ago. Whilst the benefits have traditionally been associated with older adult services, it was interesting to hear that deploying monitoring technology in disability services had achieved excellent results.
In today’s cash-strapped market, with increased pressure on Providers, it became clear that in areas where the Council commissioned less than 50% of the total homecare market, they had the greatest challenges with Provider system compliance. This led one of the Councils to allow Providers to move away from a previously mandated monitoring solution.”
The study showed that savings from the use of ECM range from 10-26% of commissioned costs, with greater recognition that these can be reinvested in care services. The research also revealed that ECM was helpful for Councils in complying with quality aspects of delivering care and support in line with Care Act obligations and that it (ECM) allowed greater transparency.
