Public services

Impact of digitalisation on social services

Report
Publicado
02 Abril 2020
Formatos
  • Download full reportPDF
Executive summary in 22 languages

PDF
Authors: 
Molinuevo, Daniel

Key findings

  • Evidence on the impact of digitalisation on social services is limited, in part because many of these technologies are still emerging, but there is some evidence that the automation or reduction of administrative processes allows staff to increase their productivity and to dedicate more time to care-related tasks.
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  • Digital technologies can achieve savings by reducing the need for more costly and intensive care, detecting fraud more effectively and ensuring that scarce resources are allocated more efficiently (for example, blockchain technology can help in the delivery and management of benefits).
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  • Digital technologies can contribute to an increased sense of safety for users and have enabled older people to continue living in their own homes for longer.
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  • Care provided with the aid of robots, telepresence and wearable devices can reduce the risk of contagion and ensure the continuity of care in case of quarantine, lockdown and/or social distancing.
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  • Training of staff and users in the use of digital technologies is important, particularly in cases where care cannot be provided face to face or when there are sudden spikes in demand for health and social care services.
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Resumen

To support the European Commission’s objective of ensuring Europe is fit for the digital age, this report examines the use of digital technologies in social services and the policies that promote digital transformation. The report explores some of the main issues involved in implementing digitalisation strategies and using digital technologies in social services, as well as some of the measures that have been put in place to overcome barriers. The overall aim is to work towards closing the knowledge gap regarding the opportunities and risks associated with technological change in this area. 

  • Full report

    Number of Pages: 
    46
    Reference No: 
    EF19043
    ISBN: 
    978-92-897-2065-6
    Catalogue: 
    TJ-04-20-154-EN-N
    DOI: 
    10.2806/130615
    Permalink: 
    eurofound.link/ef19043
    Catalogue info

    Impact of digitalisation on social services

    Authors: 
    Molinuevo, Daniel
    Topics: 
    Calidad de vida y servicios públicos; Servicios públicos; Care; La era digital: oportunidades y desafíos para el trabajo y el empleo

     

    Research carried out prior to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union on 31 January 2020, and published subsequently, may include data relating to the 28 EU Member States. Following this date, research only takes into account the 27 EU Member States (EU28 minus the UK), unless specified otherwise.

    This report presents the results of research conducted prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe in February 2020. For this reason, the results do not take account of the outbreak.

    Cite this publication as: 
    Eurofound (2020), Impact of digitalisation on social services, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

  • Executive summary

    Reference No: 
    EF19043EN1
    Catalogue info

    El impacto de la digitalización en los servicios sociales

    Authors: 
    Eurofound

    Con el fin de apoyar el objetivo de la Comisión Europea de garantizar que Europa esté preparada para la era digital, el presente informe examina el uso de las tecnologías digitales en los servicios sociales y las políticas que promueven la transformación digital. El informe explora algunas de las principales cuestiones relacionadas con la aplicación de estrategias de digitalización y el uso de las tecnologías digitales en los servicios sociales, así como algunas de las medidas adoptadas para superar los obstáculos. El objetivo general es trabajar en aras de reducir el nivel de desconocimiento en lo que se refiere a las oportunidades y los riesgos asociados a los cambios tecnológicos en este ámbito.

    Available in 22 languages for download

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  • Tables and graphs

    Figure 1: Digitalisation in the 2018 European Semester

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