Managing Change
Product Review – ShiftCare
ShiftCare is an Australian owned NDIS Software platform and App that is designed to cut through paperwork and give service providers more time to deliver supports to their clients. My Ability Pathway has been using ShiftCare for our rostering, client management, timesheets and invoicing since 2020. We asked our Team Leader, Sally Kennedy to provide a review of the platform
Using ShiftCare
As the Team Leader at My Ability Pathway, I’ve had a lot of experience using ShiftCare for rostering and client record management. Overall, it's a great platform that keep’s our data organised and rostering streamlined, however, there are a few areas that could be improved. We regularly communicate our ‘wish list’ to the team at ShiftCare who are always responsive to feedback and ideas for improvements.
Rostering and Schedules
One of the standout features is how user-friendly ShiftCare is. Navigating the ShiftCare App is easy, with clear access to schedules and upcoming shifts. Entering availability, checking out extra shifts on the job board and picking up new work is straightforward for team members to manage their time and workload.
Reporting and Progress Notes
Entering progress notes and mileage is simple, making it quicker to meet reporting requirements of the NDIS and complete shifts efficiently.
Task and Document Management
You can input and update tasks and instructions about client support as it change’s, giving team members access to time sensitive information. Client documents and support plans are uploaded and readily available within the ShiftCare App which ensures team members are prepared and able to provide comprehensive support.
Communication
In terms of communication, ShiftCare is quite effective at distributing updates to team members via email, with SMS notifications as a backup to ensure everyone is kept informed.
Timesheets and Invoicing
The transfer of rostering data to payroll and invoicing is a simple and straightforward process. A weekly timesheet report is run and once all the timesheets are approved (this will occur automatically if the shifts are checked in and out at the correct times) this data is then synced to Xero (or your finance platform) for payroll and invoicing. The NDIS price guide sits within the platform and line items are automatically invoiced based on the shift undertaken.
Areas for improvement
Progress note saving and display
Unfortunately, the ShiftCare App will save and display draft progress notes that are added throughout a shift before displaying the final submitted note. This can become messy when reading back through notes as you can be scrolling through half-finished versions of the day’s events. Additionally, there is no option to write progress notes for multiple clients when providing 1:2 or 1:3 support, which is a common occurrence in Supported Independent Living (SIL) services.
Task and Document Management
It can be difficult to view documents on a mobile phone due to the layout. Better task prioritisation and alerts for changes to a client’s routine. For example, if urgent tasks, such as a doctor’s appointment, could automatically be listed at the top of the task list, it would prevent important details from getting lost among other tasks. Additionally, an alert for any unusual changes in a client’s routine would help ensure that team members can quickly adapt to the client’s needs.
Communication
Currently there is no way to confirm whether messages (email or sms) have been read. Adding a read receipt or acknowledgment button would greatly improve communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that important information is acknowledged by all staff. They are currently working on system within ShiftCare for clients to communicate with their provider.
Overall, I’ve found ShiftCare to be a helpful tool, but with a few adjustments, it could be even more efficient and user-friendly for those of us providing care.
Sally Kennedy
Team Leader - My Ability Pathway
