A new industry report finds overwhelming support for technology enabled care across the UK, but warns that poor data use and low workforce confidence are slowing progress. Sector leaders say without urgent action, the promise of prevention-led care may not be realised.
Adult Social Care Backs Technology But Progress Remains Uneven
Leaders across the UK care sector are increasingly aligned on one point, technology enabled care (TEC) is essential to the future of sustainable home and community-based services. Yet a new report suggests that ambition alone is not enough to deliver meaningful transformation.
The latest findings from PA Consulting and the TEC Services Association highlight a growing disconnect between strategic intent and operational reality. While senior decision-makers overwhelmingly support the expansion of care technology, significant barriers particularly around data use and workforce capability continue to hold the sector back.
Based on a survey of 79 leaders across 71 adult social care organisations, the report paints a picture of a sector at a pivotal moment. With demand rising and budgets under pressure, digital tools are seen not just as an enhancement, but as a necessity for delivering more proactive and preventative care.
Strong Appetite for TEC-Driven Transformation
The research reveals strong momentum behind home care technology and digital health solutions. Around 78% of senior leaders said they want to accelerate their TEC programmes, while an overwhelming 96% indicated they would rethink how care is delivered if technology could better support prevention.
This aligns with broader trends across the UK care sector, where local authorities are grappling with increasing demand. Public spending on adult social care reached £29.4 billion last year, alongside more than two million requests for support in 2024/25.
TEC, ranging from remote monitoring and falls detection to predictive analytics is increasingly viewed as a way to reduce pressure on frontline services. Leaders see particular value in enabling earlier intervention, supporting independence at home, and improving day-to-day decision-making.
Robert Turnbull, care technology expert at PA Consulting, emphasised the shift in perception Turnbull said, “TEC is fundamental to delivering prevention at scale and no longer considered a side project.”
However, he also warned that progress requires more than belief. He added, “The sector has a shared ambition to drive collective momentum but now needs bold, visible leadership and the confidence to embed TEC into everyday practice.”
Workforce Confidence Emerges as a Critical Barrier
Despite widespread enthusiasm, the report identifies workforce capability as one of the most significant obstacles to scaling social care innovation.
Only 16% of staff are reported to have a strong understanding of TEC’s benefits, while nearly a third (32%) have little or no understanding at all. This skills gap is limiting the impact of existing technologies and slowing adoption across services.
Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive of the TEC Services Association, highlighted the human dimension of digital transformation, Scurfield said, “Technology only delivers real value when people feel able to use it, understand the insight it generates and apply that insight in everyday decision-making.”
For providers and local authorities, this presents a practical challenge. Investment in digital infrastructure must be matched by investment in training, culture change, and leadership if technology is to deliver measurable improvements in care outcomes.
Data Remains Underused Despite Growing Availability
Another key finding is the sector’s struggle to make effective use of data generated by care technology systems.
While 62% of leaders say they feel ready to use TEC data, a much larger proportion 77% identify lack of insight and poor integration with core systems as major barriers. Additionally, 70% report that staff find it difficult to apply data insights in decision-making.
This gap between data collection and actionable insight is a recurring issue in digital health and community health technology. Many organisations have implemented devices and platforms, but lack the analytical capability or system integration needed to translate data into meaningful interventions.
The report suggests that without clearer pathways for using TEC data, the sector risks missing one of its most valuable opportunities: using real-time insights to predict risk, prevent deterioration, and allocate resources more effectively.
Collaboration and Shared Learning
The study highlights a strong appetite for collaboration across the sector. Nine out of ten leaders believe that learning from peers will be one of the most effective ways to drive progress over the next year.
This reflects a growing recognition that no single organisation can solve the challenges of digital transformation alone. Shared frameworks, case studies, and best practice examples are increasingly seen as essential tools for scaling innovation.
For technology suppliers, this presents an opportunity to work more closely with care providers and local authorities not just as vendors, but as partners in service redesign.
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