Evaluating Digital Care Technologies

With support from UCLPartners and Economics By Design, Care City’s evaluation of the programme aims to determine what works, for whom and in what contexts regarding digital care technology’s impact. To achieve this, Care City will conduct:

• Participatory Realist Evaluation: By establishing a detailed understanding of how and why certain interventions succeed, they will identify what works for different groups in various settings.
• Interrupted Time Series (ITS) Analysis: Evaluating the effect of digital care technology on health and social care service use over time, focusing on reductions in service demands.
• Survey & Interviews: Surveys and interviews will assess the experiences of service users, informal carers, and providers—covering wellbeing, satisfaction, and workforce upskilling.
• Process Evaluation: Collecting qualitative feedback to improve programme implementation, identifying both obstacles and successes.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Assessing the overall value of the programme by calculating both monetary benefits and intangible outcomes, providing a balanced view of cost-effectiveness.

Methodology

Using a Participatory Realist Evaluation approach, Care City will involve stakeholders in the evaluation process to ensure the programme is analysed within its unique context. For the ITS, they’ll use a multiple baseline design, with continuous data collection before and after intervention rollout by different providers, yielding insights into the programme’s service demand impact.

Evaluation Benefits and Insights

The LBBD programme will offer significant insights into the integration of care technology for 300 domiciliary care recipients. The evaluation team, including qualitative experts and economists, will ensure a thorough understanding of the implementation impact, user experience, and potential for sustainable technology integration within the care system.

Through close collaboration with DISC and national evaluation teams, Care City will support both local and national evidence generation. Regular updates and storytelling will allow stakeholders to engage with real-world examples, amplifying the programme’s reach and enabling continuous learning across sectors.