Adult Social Care Digital Social Care Record: Minimum Operational Data Standard (MODS): Implementation Guidance
Purpose (page 1 of 1) in Purpose (chapter 2 of 10) within Adult Social Care Digital Social Care Record: Minimum Operational Data Standard (MODS): Implementation Guidance
This document is designed to serve as a comprehensive guide for the implementation of the Adult Social Care Record - Minimum Operational Data Standard (MODS). It aims to detail the updates and modifications in the latest release, ensuring that stakeholders are informed about the essential classes of data encompassed within this standard and the dependencies between it and other standards. The primary intent is to facilitate a smooth adoption and practical application of a standardised data specification across organisations involved in adult social care.
The guidance provided here should be considered in conjunction with the specific data dictionary for MODS and the overarching Conceptual Model for Adult Social Care. These resources collectively form a robust framework for understanding and applying the data standard effectively.
Aims and objectives of the Adult Social Care Record (MODS)
The primary objective of the Adult Social Care Record (MODS) was to establish a minimum data requirement for recording direct care data by CQC registered adult social care providers and the suppliers in England. Establishment of the Adult Social Care Record (MODS) has been created to support and enable:
Consistent Data Collection: Establish a uniform baseline for data gathering by CQC registered adult social care providers in England, aiming to enhance the quality of care delivered.
Standardised Data Formats: Promote the use of consistent data structures, acting as a 'common glue' to enable safe data sharing and more cohesive care delivery across different entities.
Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices: Reflect regulatory demands and disseminate best practices for data management within the sector.
Reduction of Administrative Burden: Minimise repetitive data entry and overlapping reporting obligations, thereby streamlining operational processes.
Alignment with Broader Standards: Synchronise with existing standards in the wider health and adult social care systems to avoid inefficiency and redundant efforts ‘reinventing the wheel’.
Specialised Data Model: Develop a data model that integrates with current healthcare frameworks but is specifically tailored to the needs of adult social care.
Support for Technological Advancements: Foster innovation and the integration of assistive technology within the adult social care sector.
Target Audience
The MODS is primarily developed for adult social care providers and suppliers of information systems in the adult social care sector. This guidance is particularly beneficial for those involved in implementing digital systems in all registered CQC adult social care settings, including integration across various providers. It also serves as a vital resource for care professionals responsible for recording and submitting data into systems using the MODS framework.
Furthermore, MODS is relevant to a diverse range of stakeholders, as outlined in the identified Personas, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and application of the data standard across the sector.
Page last updated: 13 July 2026