Routine data collection in home care: A national survey of home care providers in England

Purpose
Mandatory digital social care records and a standardised schedule for collecting information on home care clients are proposed for regulated adult social care providers in England. This could facilitate the introduction of a minimum data set (MDS). This study aimed to understand current data collection practices in home care, and identify where support for implementation of an MDS is needed.

Design/methodology/approach
An online survey of English home care providers was conducted in 2023, asking about the information they collect, store and share about their clients. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Findings
One hundred and fifty five responses were received from home care providers in all regions of England, a majority were for-profit organisations (89%). All collected a range of data on client characteristics and observations about care delivered. Monitoring of changes in client wellbeing and use of standardised measurement tools (e.g. functioning, mood or quality of life) were uncommon. Over two-thirds (71%) reported that they reviewed the content of care packages at least every six months. Providers with a majority of self-funding clients were more likely to regularly update information on care needs and client/ family preferences.

Practical implications
Data collection in UK home care will require expansion, to implement an MDS, which has resource implications for providers. Home care staff will need the skills to collect and use data to enhance client care.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first national survey of home care providers on their routine data collection practices.