This section defines what these words or phrases mean in the context of this framework. The same words or phrases may have a different meaning in other situations.
Term | Definition |
| App | A small computer programme that you can use on a smartphone or other mobile device to do certain tasks. |
| Artificial Intelligence | Artificial intelligence, or AI, uses computers to carry out decision making or problem solving tasks to replicate human intelligence. |
| Cloud Storage | This is storage space accessed over the internet. You can use cloud storage instead of saving your files or work on your own device or your organisation’s network. When files are stored on the cloud they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. |
| Cyber Security | Cyber security is how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of a cyber attack. This means protecting devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets, computers) and systems from theft, damage and unauthorised access. Unauthorised access to devices or systems can lead to the corruption or theft of important information (e.g. login details) or personal data (names, email addresses, medical records, etc.). Find out more on the Scottish Government's Cyber Learning and Skills page. |
| Data Integrity | The accuracy, completeness, consistency and quality of data. |
| Device | Devices (sometimes called computer hardware) are the physical digital tools e.g. laptops, computers, tablets, wearables, smartphones, etc. that are used to get online and access the internet or apps and systems. |
| Digital Capabilities | Digital capabilities are the skills, knowledge and behaviours which help people to live or work, and help organisations succeed, in a digital society. Having these capabilities allows people to use technology appropriately and effectively in different situations both in their personal and working life. |
| Digital Inclusion | Digital inclusion is about making sure that people have the capability to access and use devices and get online. Barriers to digital inclusion include not having the right digital skills, not having access to an internet connection or a suitable device, and devices or online services that don’t meet users’ specific needs. Any of these barriers can lead to someone being digitally excluded. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone can benefit from being online. |
| Digital Identity | A digital identity is a collection of information about a person that exists online. When the information is grouped together it can provide a digital representation of the person that helps them prove who they are and access services online, for example opening a bank account or ordering a new passport. Your digital identity will also include information that exists on the internet as a result of online activity, like online searches, transaction histories and social media profiles. Together these make up your digital footprint. |
| Digital Maturity | Digital Maturity describes the extent to which digital ways of working are used. An organisation is considered digitally mature if its procedures, processes and methods rely on digital tools and information rather than manual resources and paper records. |
| Framework | This Framework identifies the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are essential for everyone working in health and social care in Scotland. It does this by providing sets of statements that show increasing levels of digital capability. Record which level you currently feel you are on then plan what you need to learn or practice to increase your current knowledge and skills. This could be to help you feel more confident on your current level, or progress to a higher level. There may be other organisational or professional learning and development frameworks that apply to you and your role. This framework sits alongside these to provide a specific digital and data focus. |
| Functionality | Functionality is the collective term for all the things that a system or app can do and the tasks that it can carry out for you, for example sending an email, updating a record, triggering an alarm, sending notifications, etc. |
| General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) | The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union law that governs the way in which we can use, process, and store personal data (information about identifiable, living people). In the UK, GDPR is implemented through the Data Protection Act 2018. You can find out more on the UK Government website for data protection. In the Framework this is covered by the Handling Information & Data Capability Area. |
| Health and Social Care | In the Framework health and social care is an umbrella term that covers the vast range of different organisations and services that provide health, care, and support services in Scotland. This includes NHS, health and social care partnerships (HSCPs), social work, social care (including local authority social care), care and support providers, housing, third and independent sector organisations, etc. |
| Information Literacy | Information literacy is the ability to think critically and make balanced judgements about information we find or use. In the Framework this is covered by the Handling Information & Data Capability Area. |
| Information Management | Information management is the collection, storage, handling, sharing, archiving and destruction of any information. In the Framework this is covered by the Handling Information & Data Capability Area. |
| Information Governance | Information Governance sets out the rules for handling information in a secure and confidential way. In the Framework this is covered by the Handling Information & Data Capability Area. |
| Online | A device is online when it is connected to the internet. A person is online when they are using a device that is connected to the internet. |
| Remote Consulting | Remote consulting allows users to access health and social care services remotely using technology. Methods for this include telephone calls, video calls (e.g. Near Me), as well as emails, text messages and online forms or questionnaires. Remote consulting saves time, reduces travel and should give individuals a choice of how they access services to suit their needs and circumstances. |
| Software | Software is the set of instructions that tells a computer how to do tasks. Without software your device wouldn’t be able to do anything. When you use apps or systems you are using software. |
| System | A system or app is a piece of software that is used on your computer or device to perform a specific task or function. For example, you might use a system or an app to create letters, send emails, update care or support records, log patient information, schedule appointments, request annual leave etc. |
| Technology Enabled Care (TEC) | Technology Enabled Care (also known as TEC or Digital Health and Care) is where technology (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, apps, etc.) is used to offer more choice and opportunity for people to manage and improve their health, care, and wellbeing. The aim is to help and support people of all ages and health conditions to use technology to live independently and safely at home, or in a home like setting, for as long as possible. |
If you haven't found what you are looking for, try using the BT Group Digital Dictionary or searching on Google for the specific term.
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