Care homes' use of paper records makes staff work overtime

Care home staff are still using paper records and spending time at the end of their shift updating them, according to a recent survey.

Out of 103 care workers surveyed by mobile management systems supplier Advanced Health & Care, the majority (85 per cent) said they need the help of technology to do their jobs efficiently but do not have it.

According to the survey, staff from big as well as small care homes reported working over their regular hours to leave a paper trail, that would have taken less time if mobile technology such as mobile patient management systems were installed.

Of the care home staff who do use such technology at work, most felt it improved their working day, cutting out unnecessary administration and crucially freeing up more time to deliver care to residents.

Des Kelly, executive director of the National Care Forum (NCF) said: "I’m not surprised to learn that the survey has found that there is still a reliance on paper records by the majority of care homes.

"Whilst there appears to be growing interest in the use of technology to support care services - the NCF have recently visited care homes in Germany with members to learn from their experience – the combination of funding, sustainability and regulatory changes seems to be major obstacles to progress.

"Development has also been patchy and although products, and promises, appear to offer some scope for efficiencies they can be costly in terms of initial investment. My sense is that innovation will gradually result in a widening gap between providers based on their willingness to use technology. ”

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