Care leaders are to be trained to use the latest cutting-edge technology in a bid to improve patient care, free up staff time and help people live independently in their own homes for longer.

In an attempt to shift adult social care from analogue to digital as part of the Plan for Change, the health secretary has announced a new qualification designed to equip care leaders with the skills to use and rapidly deploy technology across care homes and other settings.

Training will focus on tools which have been shown to improve the quality of care and reduce pressure on staff, including motion sensors that can detect and alert staff when a patient has had a fall; video telecare to allow remote appointments with doctors and carers to reduce the need to travel; and artificial intelligence which can automate routine tasks like note taking or predict when a patient might need additional care.

It is hoped that these technologies will help people to receive the best possible care in the community and prevent avoidable trips to the hospital, reducing pressure on the NHS.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: "We will harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology to transform social care, helping people to live independently in their own homes and improving the quality of care.

"By investing in skills training for care workers, introducing a Fair Pay Agreement, and providing more opportunities for career progression, we will help retain the incredible professionals we need.

"Our Plan for Change will make sure we have the people and the skills needed to build a National Care Service."