TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE
Plan for data protection: Implement strong data protection measures.
Seek support and funding: Explore funding opportunities and resources, like those offered by the Digital Care Hub.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA PROTECTION AND CYBER SECURITY
While digital technology brings many benefits, it also comes with responsibilities – especially around data protection and cyber security. Most systems, including assistive technologies, collect and process sensitive data, making it crucial for care homes to ensure staff are trained in handling this information safely.
Data protection has always been a major issue in social care. Staff have long needed to access and share sensitive data to deliver personalised care – whether it’s health conditions, family details, or care preferences. The fundamental need to protect this information has not changed. However, the introduction of digital technologies has raised new issues to consider, such as safeguarding against cyber threats and ensuring secure data sharing across digital platforms.
For example, AI monitoring systems like those used at Hartland House continuously collect and process personal data to detect health risks. While this enhances safety, it also means staff must be vigilant in protecting this data from breaches or misuse. Similarly, digital care records and planning systems like those at Bedford Charter House streamline care processes but require robust data security practices.
CRITICAL ISSUES
Care managers need to ensure that staff: Understand data security: Good information underpins good care. Staff must understand their personal responsibility to handle data safely, in line with legal obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act.
Recognise digital threats: Staff should be aware of physical and digital threats, from social engineering scams to insecure digital devices. This includes being alert to phishing emails, using strong passwords, and safely storing physical records.
In the modern world, digital technology is the norm and should be considered a core business expense. Investing in digital tools and infrastructure is a necessity for providing high – quality care. Policymakers and commissioners need to factor these costs into their plans to ensure all care services are sustainable and able to keep up with technological advancements. While cost- of-living pressures and funding constraints remain challenges, the long-term benefits of digital transformation make it a worthwhile investment.
www.digitalcarehub.co.uk
Identify and report data breaches: It’s essential that staff can spot potential data breaches and know what to do if one occurs. Whether it’s sending an email to the wrong person or leaving confidential paperwork unattended, knowing how to respond quickly can minimise harm.
Share data safely: Sharing the right information with the right people is just as important as not disclosing it to the wrong person. Staff should understand who needs access to data and how to share it securely.
FREE TRAINING RESOURCES
As part of our Better Security, Better Care programme, we are supporting care managers, trainers and staff to develop their knowledge and skills around data protection in a digital environment.
We provide free elearning, discussion tools, checklists, training materials and webinars – all developed specifically for care settings.
In March, we are delighted to say we will be launching our first Cyber Game. Staff will be able to choose a character, and work their way through a simulated cyber attack in a care service such As they move through the game, they will make decisions about what to do next and collect points based on their decisions. At the end, they'll get a score showing how well they performed in each area. We hope it will be a fun way to test and learn your cyber security knowledge and skills.
A CORE BUSINESS EXPENSE
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www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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