Top 5 Challenges to Implementing Digital Technology in Social Care - And How to Overcome Them
What are the 5 most common challenges encountered at the start, and even before the beginning of a digital transformation journey? We take a look at them and their solutions.
It is well-known that the health and social care sector is and has been under immense pressure for far too long, facing overstretched budgets and workforce, alongside increasing demand for services.
Digital solutions in the sector, and home care solutions in particular, offer a way to ease these pressures. They can reduce costs, lighten the workloads of social care workers, and improve outcomes. However, implementing technology comes with its own set of challenges. From securing buy-in to overcoming cultural resistance, we explore the five most common challenges of implementing digital solutions, and how to address and overcome them.
1. Finding the Space and Time
The Challenge
Social care teams often operate in reactive, high-pressure, time-constrained environments, leaving little room to explore new solutions.
What’s the solution?
Identify quieter periods to kick-start your research and projects. Treating digital transformation as a long-term initiative, rather than a quick fix. This approach ensures better overall success and more positive outcomes, especially if you leverage insights from organisations that have already undergone similar journeys.
2. Assessing Solutions Amidst an Overwhelming Amount of Options
The Challenge
The sheer number of digital solutions on the market can make it daunting to evaluate and select the right one.
What’s the solution?
Focus on your organisation’s specific needs and desired outcomes. What challenges do you face and where do you need improvement? Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders in order to align priorities and identify the right providers - those who offer comprehensive case studies and evidence of success. Prioritising user-friendly designs and scalable solutions will also ensure smooth integration and long-term growth.
3. Gaining Stakeholder Buy-In
The Challenge
Without early and enthusiastic support from senior stakeholders, projects risk stagnation and failure.
What’s the solution?
Start by identifying the key challenges in your organisation and aligning them with its priorities. Engage decision-makers early on in the process and provide compelling evidence, such as success stories from similar organisations, this can give you a head start. Highlight how the technology complements existing workflows and demonstrate potential quick wins, achievable within the first six months.
4. Securing the Budget
The Challenge
Tight budgets make it difficult to justify new technology investments, even when they promise long-term savings.
What’s the solution?
Collaborate with technology providers to develop a strong business case, using tools like savings calculators to project cost-effectiveness. Explore funding opportunities, like the Proactive Care Fund to help reduce upfront costs and financial risks. These steps will not only strengthen the case for the digital transformation project but also increase the likelihood of project success.
5. Building Trust with Care Teams and Service Users
The Challenge
Resistance to change from frontline staff and service users can affect even the most thoroughly planned projects.
What’s the solution?
Educating teams on the benefits of the technology is easier than it may seem. Address concerns about the technology’s usability and impact, and identify champions within your organisation who can advocate for the solution and foster early adoption. Many providers offer tailored training for your team which simplifies the process further.
While the road to digital transformation in social care may appear challenging, the solutions are often straightforward and the rewards - from improved outcomes to significant cost savings- make the effort worthwhile, both short and long-term.
By addressing these common barriers head-on and working with experienced technology providers, social care organisations can not only resolve their current challenges, but also future-proof their services.
Read the full report on the barriers to implementing digital technology in health and social care and how to overcome them here: https://www.intelligentlilli.com/reports/implementing-an-outcomes-based-digital-solution