Social Care Delays Leading to Long Hospital Stays - How can Digital Help?

One in seven beds in NHS hospitals are taken up by patients who are well enough to leave but are waiting for social care. New data from NHS England has shown that nearly 13,600 hospital beds were taken up by patients who were fit to be discharged.

AI continues to feature prominently with Norfolk County Council being the latest to launch an AI initiative to identify individuals at risk of falls, aiming to reduce hospital admissions and support independent living. Partnerships continue to drive implementation, with System C testing pilot programs for a new generative AI solution designed to enhance efficiency for health and social care professionals, with select local authorities and NHS trusts, with plans for broader rollout.

Social Care Delays Leading to Long Hospital Stays

Recent data reveals that nearly 13,600 hospital beds are occupied by patients awaiting social care packages, contributing to dangerously long stays in Accident & Emergency departments. This situation underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in social care to facilitate timely discharges and alleviate pressure on hospitals.

Key Takeaways:

• High Bed Occupancy: Over 97,600 hospital beds are occupied, with a significant portion taken by patients ready for discharge.

• Impact on Emergency Services: Delays in social care are causing vulnerable individuals to experience extended waits in A&E.

• Call for Reform: Experts advocate for a reevaluation of social care's role beyond just discharge services.

Digital solutions have the potential to support faster discharge and currently 20 NHS trusts have been using OPTICA, one of the core products offered to NHS trusts as part of the NHS Federated Data Platform, which is currently being rolled out across England. An NHS Trust in the North East in particular has been using data to work with social care colleagues to help patients leave hospital faster.

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AI Identifies Individuals at Risk of Falls in Norfolk

Norfolk County Council has launched an AI initiative to identify over 12,000 individuals at risk of falls, aiming to reduce hospital admissions and support independent living. The program uses machine learning to analyze data and proactively reach out to at-risk individuals with preventive measures.

Key Takeaways:

• Proactive Intervention: The initiative has already led to numerous home adaptations and referrals for at-risk individuals.

• Community Engagement: The program encourages physical activity and social engagement to combat isolation.

• Government Support: This initiative aligns with the UK government's strategy to enhance AI use in public services.

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System C's Commitment to Generative AI

System C has announced a new generative AI solution designed to enhance efficiency for health and social care professionals. This technology aims to automate documentation and task generation, significantly reducing administrative burdens and allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care.

Key Takeaways:

• Time Savings: The AI solution can reduce administrative time by over 60% per task.

• Cost Efficiency: Potential savings for NHS trusts could exceed £5 million annually.

• Pilot Programs: Currently being tested with select local authorities and NHS trusts, with plans for broader rollout.

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Assistive Technologies Promoting Independent Living in Scotland

Scotland's Health Secretary recently visited the Peoplehood Project, which promotes independent living through assistive technologies. This initiative has positively impacted over 500 individuals, showcasing the potential of technology to enhance quality of life and reduce reliance on social care services.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovative Housing Solutions: The project integrates home automation and digital systems to support independent living.

• Government Investment: Backed by a £12.5 million investment, the project aims to influence Scotland's social care sector on a national level.

• Focus on Independence: The initiative exemplifies how technology can foster independence and improve service efficiency.

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We hope these insights inspire you to think critically about the challenges and opportunities within the sector. We’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share your perspectives with us!

Best for now,

Miles