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Healthcare providers now need a combination of personal and tech skills to ensure they provide the best level of care.
It’s a shift that’s created gaps in knowledge, but one Lytham St Annes employer is leading from the front.
Like many health employers, Clifton Homecare has switched from paper to digital care records, improving efficiency as it brings patient information all into one place.
But that’s created a skills need due to the wealth of data the system creates. Domiciliary care assistants now need the knowledge to be able to analyse that data to better care for patients.
Caroline Cosh, nominated individual and registered manager of the care provider, says her business has embraced digital methods in response to the government’s goal for the social care sector to be digitally competent.
If a patient has a fall, this is logged and the time and location analysed to spot any patterns. Were there events leading up to the fall and any other patterns that would suggest a cause? The data can pinpoint the why and help prevent further falls.
“We need people with data analysis skills – it’s not just about working with the numbers but really analysing what they mean,” says Caroline, who employs 50 people and collaborates on skills courses with Blackpool and the Fylde College. “Digital records allow us to link together all this information so we can provide better care, but we need the skills to spot those patterns. This evidence-based practice is the way the industry is moving.”
Care assistants also need to understand the legal requirements of the role, which Caroline says is down to the challenging health system. As patients wait longer for surgery and treatment, conditions are exacerbated, leaving them with multiple health conditions that need to be managed at any one time.
“Care staff are dealing with people with ever-increasing needs because people are living longer, with multiple conditions and wanting to live at home,” she adds. Aside from the technical skills needed, softer skills are essential – people who are caring and competent, who can work as part of a team and follow instructions.
Read more about Clifton Homecare and other businesses investing in the future workforce in our Skills Barometer 2025.