Agenda item

Report ACH23-038

The Committee considered a report providing an update on the directorate’s work with the Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE) and assistive technology (AI).

In May 2023, Adult Services commissioned the SCIE to complete an independent review and produce a forward plan outlining the key findings, improvement recommendations and a roadmap for delivery, focussing on the opportunities to make better use of digital solutions. The report provided the initial findings from the independent review and a progress update on the AI offer in Bromley.

The Vice-Chairman highlighted the bespoke training sessions that had been mentioned in the report and enquired if Members would be able to participate in these session, or have oversight of the tools being used. The Assistive Technology Lead said he would be very happy to deliver a bespoke training session for Members to demonstrate the products and discuss some case studies.

In response to a question from a Co-opted Member, the Assistive Technology Lead said that AI provided clinical oversight to undertake appropriate assessment looking at whether an individual’s needs could be met and if there were any products that could be trialled. It also brought a sense of process and governance. It was noted that there was no charge for the initial assessment. The Programme Manager – Adult Social Care Reform informed Members that part of the work being undertaken with SCIE was to explore external funding opportunities which would be outlined in the strategy presented at a future Committee meeting. The Director of Adult Social Care advised that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) already had a relationship with SCIE and were watching the progress made in Bromley – they were keen to provide support and roll out the work being undertaken in Bromley across other areas.

The Chairman highlighted that AI technology had been moving at speed since the pandemic. The Assistive Technology Lead agreed, and noted that with this came challenges as they needed to be mindful of ethics, consent, intrusiveness of the devices and co-ordination of data across services. The pilot had been very successful, generating efficiencies, and going forward they would need to consider managing the digital switchover for residents. In response to a question from a Member, the Assistive Technology Lead said that there were various challenges, with boroughs working slightly differently. Bromley was unique in terms of its makeup, with lots of individuals not wanting, or needing, to access social care. They were able to provide support for self-care which could potentially prevent the need to access care for longer.

A Member advised that there was a focus across London to promote science to children and young people, and this work showed direct relevance. It was suggested that an article in relation to the AI work could be published in the Council’s new magazine.

RESOLVED that:

i.)  the key themes and opportunities emerging from SCIE’s independent review, the next steps and business case method, and expected benefits (Appendix 1) be noted; and,

ii.)  the progress, impact and outcomes associated with using Assistive Technology as part of Bromley’s care and support offer (Appendix 2) be noted.