Guidance on use of AI in adult social care published as part of wider digitisation package from Department of Health and Social Care
Adult social care providers should ensure staff review all AI-generated care plans before they are used, according to new guidance published by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) as part of a wider package covering the adoption of digital technology across the sector.
The new guidance highlights a growing role for artificial intelligence in care planning, auditing, falls prevention, pain assessment and administrative tasks, while also reinforcing the government's expectation that providers adopt assured digital social care record systems.
According to the guidance, AI-powered care planning software can help reduce administrative workloads and improve efficiency by assisting with tasks such as care plans, care assessments and data analysis.
The Department said: "AI care planning software may cut down the time spent doing administrative tasks. This can allow care staff more time to give people care, and lead to better outcomes for them."
However, it also cautions providers against relying exclusively on AI-generated content.
The guidance states: "If AI is used in care planning, a member of care staff must review the plan to make sure it's accurate."
AI in care delivery
The Department identifies a range of AI technologies already being used across adult social care, including acoustic monitoring systems, sensor-based technologies, facial recognition tools for pain assessment and data analytics platforms that can identify trends in residents' health and wellbeing
Examples highlighted include technologies that monitor movement, sound and vital signs, helping providers identify potential deterioration and intervene earlier.
The guidance also references acoustic monitoring systems used in care homes to reduce intrusive night-time checks while supporting resident safety.
The Department notes that evidence demonstrating generative AI can create genuinely personalised care plans remains limited and reminds providers to comply with UK data protection requirements when adopting AI tools. It also warns against entering personally identifiable information into free online AI applications.
Digital records
Alongside the AI guidance, the Department has reinforced the role of digital social care records as the foundation of a fully digitised care service. A provider is considered fully digitised if it uses an assured digital social care record solution and has achieved the ‘standards met’ level of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
Guidance on digital social care records states that the systems can free up more than 20 minutes per care worker per shift through faster handovers and reduced administration.
The Department said digital records can improve information sharing, support person-centred care and help providers demonstrate compliance with Care Quality Commission requirements.
The guidance adds that every system on the NHS assured solutions list meets national standards for quality and security and can connect with GP records, with wider integration planned across NHS systems.
