3.3 Examine the core digital skills required for working in adult care

This guide will help you answer 3.3 Examine the core digital skills required for working in adult care.

Digital skills are abilities needed to use modern technology and digital systems in care settings. These skills help workers keep people safe, update records, share information, and provide high-quality support. In this guide, we look closely at the core digital skills needed for adult care and how they apply in practice.

Digital Literacy

Digital literacy means being able to use computers, tablets, and smartphones to find, understand, and share information. It is the starting point for all other digital skills.

Digital literacy involves:

• Logging onto computers and secure systems
• Using keyboards and touchscreens
• Opening and closing programmes
• Understanding icons, menus, and basic functions
• Knowing what to do if you forget your password

Most tasks in care now rely on a baseline level of digital literacy.

Digital Communication

Communication now takes many forms. Core communication skills include:

• Sending and reading emails
• Using instant messaging platforms, such as Teams or internal messaging apps
• Video calls for meetings or calls with families and professionals
• Recording voice messages in systems that accept them

You must be able to send clear messages, read responses, and keep communications secure. Recognising official emails and spotting suspicious messages is important to stop phishing and fraud.

Digital Record Keeping

Storing and updating information electronically is central to adult care. You must be able to:

• Enter care notes and daily logs into electronic care planning systems
• Update medication records and note changes
• Review care plans and risk assessments
• Find information quickly when asked
• Use templates and forms as required

Accuracy, confidentiality, and clarity are key. If records are not kept correctly, mistakes can happen.

Information Security and Data Protection

Protecting sensitive information is a legal responsibility. The core skills in this area include:

• Creating strong passwords and keeping them private
• Locking screens when away from devices
• Recognising phishing emails or suspicious links
• Understanding policies about storing and sharing data
• Knowing how to report a data breach or near-miss
• Using encrypted emails or messaging when discussing sensitive data

Everyone must know the basics of laws like the Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR). This keeps people’s information safe.

Digital Collaboration

Teamwork often requires use of digital systems. Collaboration skills mean being able to:

• Share documents and updates in shared drives or cloud systems
• Edit documents with colleagues online
• Use online rotas and scheduling systems
• Join group discussions by video or messaging

Good collaboration improves care and reduces errors or missed information.

Accessing and Using Online Learning

Continuing professional development (CPD) is often digital. Skills here include:

• Signing up for and completing e-learning modules
• Downloading training records or certificates
• Attending webinars or online meetings
• Taking part in online assessments or quizzes

By being able to access learning, staff stay up to date with best practice and compliance.

Using Care-Specific Software

Each care setting may use different software, but common examples include:

• Electronic care planning and assessment tools
• Medication administration records (eMAR)
• Rostering and shift allocation systems
• Incident and accident reporting platforms

Workers need to know how to use these tools for their job roles. This means logging in, entering information, navigating the system, and finding what they need quickly.

Digital Confidence and Problem Solving

Confidence means being sure enough to try new tasks, ask for help, and deal with small problems. Core skills include:

• Trying out new features or systems with supervision
• Looking up help guides or asking colleagues for support
• Reporting IT problems quickly
• Solving basic issues like printing, connecting to Wi-Fi, or restarting a device

Problem-solving stops delays and panic when technology changes or fails.

Awareness of Digital Safety for People Using Services

Many people receiving care now use digital devices for communication, hobbies, and daily tasks. Core skills for workers include:

• Understanding online safety risks (scams, safeguarding concerns)
• Supporting safe use of video calls and apps
• Helping people set up privacy settings or block unwanted contacts
• Reporting concerns if someone is put at risk online

This helps keep people safe beyond basic care.

Digital Inclusion Skills

Digital inclusion means making sure everyone can use digital tools, including those with disabilities or low confidence. Skills include:

• Adjusting devices for vision, hearing, or physical needs
• Training people at the right pace
• Communicating with people who are less confident or need extra time
• Giving alternative options (e.g., voice commands or large text)

Supporting digital inclusion ensures technology is used fairly and safely.

Critical Thinking and Digital Judgment

Staff need to:

• Judge if messages or online requests are genuine
• Spot errors in digital records
• Ask questions if something looks wrong or suspicious
• Cross-check information in electronic systems

This helps to avoid mistakes or falling victim to scams.

Adapting to Change

Technology in care develops over time. Core skills include:

• Being open to learning new systems or procedures
• Coping with updates or changes to software
• Practising new tasks before using them with people
• Sharing feedback about digital systems with managers

Staff who adapt keep care safe and effective.

Final Thoughts

Digital skills are now as important as any other care skill. By fostering these abilities in yourself and your team, you help improve care outcomes, keep information safe, and support a modern, effective workplace.