TECHNOLOGY IN CARE
Eye in the Sky
Philip Scott, founder of Care Protect, explores how the use of technology can play a key role in combating care home abuse.
While the vast majority of care homes are safe and caring environments it is a sad fact that cases of serious abuse do occur, even in the best homes.
In light of this it is the use of technology, with properly and independently monitored surveillance cameras, that the sector, and the regulator, needs to consider and debate - to safeguard both service users and staff in an open and transparent manner.
Camera surveillance and expert monitoring is a long overdue solution. All concerns around privacy and choice can be addressed if the will exists to embrace technology to safeguard vulnerable people.
In response to reductions in its budget from £249million this financial year to £217m in 2019/20 the Care Quality Commission has already revealed that it plans to inspect adult social care services less often and concentrate on those perceived to be at greatest risk.
It has proposed to use the quantitative and qualitative information held on providers to spot potential risks more effectively. However if technology was providing an overview of a care service on a 24/7 basis, this information (with the agreement of the care home owners) could be shared with the CQC to give ‘real time’ data on both good and bad practice.
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Care Protect is an ‘untoward events’ triggered recording system, with subsequent email alerting capability allowing for a review of the ‘event’, by independent, experienced health and social care professionals, within minutes of it happening. It is important that care homes have no ownership of the data and no ability to edit it. No bedroom camera should be continually rolling.
“Research shows there is a real appetite for a change in the care sector, particularly from relatives, and a desire for more openness and transparency through the use of monitoring.”
Just as we feel more protected in our town and city centres knowing that trained professionals are combating crime through the use of surveillance technologies, research shows there is a real appetite for a change in the care sector, particularly from relatives, and a desire for more openness and transparency through the use of monitoring.
We already know from both our own and independent research that the public wants to see camera technology adopted in care settings.
Despite legislation over the years being extended, granting new powers to the regulator, and a number of high-profile TV exposés, there has been no material reduction in abuse cases and allegations.
Care Protect already has a number of clients with monitoring in place and the results are very positive. The independence of the monitors has ensured any identified concerns are immediately addressed and referred to the care provider for instant rectification and, if necessary, to the appropriate regulatory authority.
It would be a radical step for the regulator to consider these systems as a standard, however given the levels of reported abuse and ongoing poor practices being captured on covert cameras, what is the real alternative in a world of ever diminishing resources?
The CQC has issued its own guidelines for families considering covert filming, but the regulator needs to take an in depth look at the use of surveillance cameras as the norm and it is my hope that soon it will be an accepted part of quality care and safeguarding.
Care providers and commissioners need to welcome technological advances and systems, which boost confidence in the sector as a whole, drive up standards and protect both staff and service users.
www.care-protect.co.uk www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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