New strategy launched for assistive care technology to become common practice

Workforce development body for social care in England, Skills for Care, wants to see Electronic Assistive Technology (eAT) become commonplace in the sector and has today announced a new strategy to reach out to 1.5m workers.

The body’s research already shows that the use of eAT, via the Internet, interactive TV and smart mobile devices, is on the increase amongst care teams and indeed their service users. However, chief executive Sharon Allen wants to ensure that all professionals realise the capabilities of assistive technology and do not get left behind.

She comments: “The use of eAT is already a key part of social care provision for many organisations and that is only going to increase in the coming years. Uses of eAT could range from simple emergency pull-cords to complex sensors built within interactive devices and connected via broadband.

“However eAT is used, it is critical that the whole workforce needs to be both confident and competent to ensure that technology works effectively to further promote choice and control for people with care and support needs.”

In order to see the use of eAT expand throughout England, Skills for Care propose for the technology to be introduced into local induction programmes and appraisal processes, while the body also wants to see eAT mapped onto career pathways and professional development, as well as looking to establish a National Occupational Standard (NOS).

Launching a five-year strategy to achieve these objectives, thanks to investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, Skills for Care has published ‘Technology to Care: A Workforce Learning Strategy to Embed Electronic Assistive Technology (eAT) in Social Care’. Find out more by visiting www.technologytocare.org.uk