Time tracking in home care: Perceptions and reality

Abstract

We examine the implementation of digital time tracking in home care services in Swedish municipalities. Our study combines original survey data with external measures of quality and costs, allowing us to examine both the perceived and estimated effects of time tracking. According to the responding managers, time tracking has led to improvements in quality and reductions in costs. However, the estimated effects suggest that these managerial perceptions may need to be revised. We found that quality is unaffected or reduced while costs have increased due to the implementation of time tracking.