New Research Reveals Just 38% of Care Providers Have Access To GP Connect – 7 Years After Launch
A leading care management software provider has released the findings of its 2025 Digital Social Care Record (DSCR) survey – highlighting major gaps in access to essential digital tools.
The report, published by PASS by everyLIFE, reveals that many care providers still lack access to key features such as GP Connect, electronic medication administration records (eMAR) and a friends and family portal, despite their potential to improve care quality, efficiency, and compliance.
This comes as DSCR adoption continues to rise, with government data showing that 72% of CQC-registered adult social care locations in England had a DSCR in place by July 2024 – up from 57.4% in July 2023.
While progress is being made, the survey findings highlight that simply having a DSCR is not enough, with providers needing access to the right digital tools to truly transform care delivery, especially amid ongoing challenges in recruitment, retention and funding across the sector.
The survey, completed by 447 care providers using various DSCR systems across the sector, found that confidence in digital systems is growing, with 48% of providers feeling secure in their care management technology. Many have embraced key digital tools, including digital care documentation, incident reporting and real-time care plans – demonstrating the sector’s commitment to safer, more compliant, and efficient care delivery.
However, the survey also exposes major gaps in access to essential digital tools:
- Only 38% of providers can access GP records digitally, despite GP Connect being live in England for seven years. This is a missed opportunity to improve safety with real-time access to prescriptions, allergies, and medical history.
- Just 39% use eMAR, meaning the majority still rely on non-digital medication administration, increasing the risk of errors and compliance issues.
- Nearly 40% of providers do not offer friends and family portals, despite growing demand for transparency in care.
More broadly, core functionalities like digital rostering, GP patient data integration, eMAR, and care journey tracking remain underused, with fewer than half of providers leveraging these tools.
Overall, the findings reveal clear opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and safety through greater adoption of digital solutions.
Commenting on the findings, Duncan Campbell, Commercial Director at PASS and Marie Curie Advisory Board Member, said: “Better, more person-centred care should always be the goal – and technology is an affordable solution to help us get there. Our latest 2025 DSCR Survey shows great progress in digital adoption, but too many care providers still lack access to essential tools like GP Connect, eMAR, and family portals.
“I’m proud that at PASS, these features come as standard, with no extra cost to our customers. Real digital transformation is about making sure care teams have everything they need to work smarter, not harder.”
Other key findings included:
Digital rostering: A missed chance to improve efficiency
Only 30% of care providers use digital rostering, while 49% still rely on manual scheduling. This increases admin time and makes it harder to allocate staff effectively. Wider adoption could streamline workforce management and improve care continuity.
Body maps: A vital tool for health monitoring
42% of providers use digital body maps, while 41% do not. This means missed opportunities to track conditions like pressure ulcers. Digital body mapping enhances accuracy and early detection.
Digital checklists: A smarter way to manage compliance
Only 37% of providers use digital checklists for onboarding and compliance, while 45% still rely on manual processes. This raises the risks of missed steps and delays. Digital tools ensure consistency and automate reminders.
24/7 support: A safety net many care providers lack
42% of providers have 24/7 DSCR support, but 36% do not, leaving them vulnerable to system issues. Round-the-clock assistance reduces disruptions and ensures reliability.
Confidence in care systems: A mixed picture
48% of providers are confident in their care system, but 28% are not, and 24% are unsure. Gaps in usability and training may be affecting trust in digital tools.
Duncan continued: “The survey highlights digital adoptions within social care, while also identifying significant gaps. These areas need to be addressed to develop further efficiency, compliance, and quality of care. It is important to broaden digital solutions to deliver smarter, more integrated solutions that address changing sector needs.”
To learn more about the findings from the DSCR survey, check out https://www.everylifetechnologies.com/content-hub/2025-dscr-survey/ and to find out how PASS can support your care operations, visit www.everylifetechnologies.com.
