Background

In England, there are over 8000 registered homecare agencies, providing support to almost one million older people in their own homes.

However, we know little about who uses homecare, what sort of care they need, or which other services they access.

There is also no systematic approach to sharing data as people access different services. This is a key reason why we know so little about the population of people who use homecare.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) ‘Developing a minimum data set for homecare’ (DACHA-DOM) study was part of a larger project that aimed to explore the potential of developing a national minimum data set (MDS) for homecare. It built on the research done in care homes by the main DACHA study.

The ‘Developing research resources And minimum data set for Care Homes’ Adoption’ (DACHA) study has coincided with developments led by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE) on digital social care records, and worked closely with colleagues to ensure the relevance of the work.

Aims and objectives

This project will aim to combine evidence from the DACHA-DOM study and the DACHA minimum data set in care homes pilot, to suggest content for a minimum dataset for homecare that is usable, feasible and acceptable to relevant stakeholder groups.

Methods

We will use a number of methods for this project including desk-based research, stakeholder consultations and workshops.

Policy relevance

This will be relevant across many government departments. The findings will support DHSC and NHSE work on social care data/digitalisation.

Delivery dates

April 2024 – September 2024

Related