The Role of Technology in CQC Outstanding

Using the right technology can help you shape the way you deliver care and improve the quality of care. In addition, you can demonstrate your standard of care to regulatory bodies more effectively. CQC’s updated KLOEs, and, in particular, question E1.3, specifically asks how you use technology and equipment to enhance care.

Many innovative technologies created in the last five years have changed how social care operates to be less intrusive and more person-centred. In some care homes, acoustic monitoring has replaced traditional night checks; virtual reality has improved the wellbeing of residents living with dementia; and digital record-keeping at the point of care has replaced writing paper charts and reports.

Technology can relieve staff from administrative tasks to spend more time with people that they care for; give people more dignity; and increase their wellbeing. For instance, a care provider has used a virtual assistant to connect bedbound residents to activities, take part in quizzes and chat to other residents. This is just one example of an innovative use of technology to prevent loneliness and isolation.

Social care is one of the most highly regulated industries in the UK in order to protect vulnerable people and ensure that they receive the highest quality of care. Technology is available to evolve and improve your working practices. When choosing technology, consider whether it will enable you to give a higher quality of care. Will there be tangible benefits for your residents? With the support of the right technologies in your care home, you can demonstrate an outstanding quality of care.