Our Scans · (ZY.4.25) Social Work · Weekly Summary

• [New] Worldwide, vital social and environmental aspects of health like clean air, safe drinking water, food security and shelter are at risk and affect especially countries with weak health care infrastructure. SpringerLink
• Even more than in other countries, participants from Germany see considerable potential for the increased use of robots in social areas such as the hospitality industry, care or the education sector. United Robotics Group
• The UK will see extra pressures to spend money on social care, education and healthcare. The London Economic
• After health care workers at a Denver hospital received an Ebola vaccine in November, social media users spread a baseless claim that vaccine shedding puts other people at risk of catching the often-fatal disease. @politifact
• Spending on social care is projected to rise from the current 1.3% to 2.0% of national income, equivalent to £17 billion per year in today's terms. Institute for Fiscal Studies
• The impact of social norms in lowering the fertility rate might not be only at work in poorer parts of the world today, but may have also contributed to the declining fertility rate of countries that first went through the demographic transition. Our World In Data
• Audit Scotland's annual report on the NHS in Scotland includes a strong message that the Scottish Government needs to develop a national strategy for health and social care, recognising that without reform there are clear risks for long term financial sustainability. Fraser of Allander Institute
• In Nebraska, expanded transit services are helping keep rural residents in their homes and connected to health care and social opportunities. The Equation
• The UK Telecoms Innovation Network will run a nationwide programme to drive the adoption of 5G and advanced communication technologies in key economic sectors, including manufacturing, health and social care, transport and logistics, and agricultural technology. UK Tech News
• Where there is a risk of even higher social security contributions: Germany's nursing care funds are stretched and need additional income to meet the massive expenses. The Limited Times
• The UK Telecoms Innovation Network will run a nationwide programme to drive the adoption of 5G 5G and advanced communication technologies in key economic sectors, including manufacturing, health and social care, transport and logistics, and agricultural technology. GOV.UK
• Artificial intelligence is being used to train staff in what is thought to be a UK first for the social care sector amid hopes it could help speedily tackle workforce shortages. The Independent
• Adversaries working on behalf of countries like Iran or Russia could flood social media platforms with highly realistic AI-generated deepfake videos in an attempt to sway voters. The Independent
• Providing broad access to technology and programs that strengthen economic and social development helps make quality education, entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, health care and other services more attainable for underserved communities globally. INN
• Some care homes in England are refusing to take children with complex needs because they are worried it might affect their Ofsted inspection ratings, fuelling concern that vulnerable young people in the social care system are having to wait months or even years for a stable home. The Guardian
• The UK Health Security Agency has a cold-health alert in force, warning of the weather's potential to have a significant impact on the health and social care sector. BelfastTelegraph.co.uk
• The gap between spending and revenue will be driven by rising interest costs and growth in spending on Social Security and major health care programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. CNN
• Covid vaccines are just rolling out in the United Kingdom this week, with the first doses going to the highest risk people in care homes, ages 65 and over as well as health and social care staff members. The New York Times
• Shropshire Council has outlined how it plans to close a £50m budget gap, which is caused by ever-increasing demand for council services, particularly social care, rising costs and stubbornly high inflation. Shropshire live
• In summary, the home care and senior care industry in 2024 will witness a shifting landscape defined by emerging trends such as instant pay options and social media-like applications, alongside challenges in recruiting, industry consolidation, and affordability. Home Healthcare News
• The health and social care system relies heavily on workers coming to work in the UK and restrictions could plunge vital services into chaos. Sky News
• As government investment in health is expected to increase, there is a focus in adult social care in England in 2024-251. TriMedika

Last updated: 25 April 2024