Promotes the practical application of digital tools to support people
On this page you'll find links to resources to help you promote the practical application of digital tools to support people.
Select your current capability level to jump to aligned resources:
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Not at Level 1
Promotes the practical application of digital tools to support people
Not at Level 1 - I need to learn about the digital tools that can help me in my role, or make a practical difference to people using the services I provide.
For lots of useful hints and tips on how to help people get the most out of digital tools, have a look at these crib sheets. These were developed for care settings during the pandemic, but the advice is still relevant today across any organisation: National Care Forum - Resources to Help Digital Enabling
One way to make a practical difference to service users is through Technology Enabled Care (TEC). Find out what this is and hear some examples in this short introductory video: NHS Education for Scotland (NES) - What is TEC?
Consider whether those around you are using digital tools that you aren't familiar with. Speak to your colleagues to understand what digital tools are available and how it can be used to help you in your role.
For further resources, visit the Innovation & Service Improvement page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub.
Level 1
Promotes the practical application of digital tools to support people
Level 1 - I know that there are digital tools that can help me in my role or make a practical difference to people using the services I provide (e.g. technology enabled care, remote consulting). I keep my knowledge of these tools up to date and am comfortable to discuss them with people and explain how they work.
Read through this list of tips to help you support people with their digital skills, then apply this knowledge to build digital confidence in those around you, including your colleagues, family members and people using the services you provide: Digital Unite - 32 Tips and Tricks for Helping People with Digital Skills
Use this webpage to access a guide created to help people understand and navigate digital health, care and wellbeing tools and services. Read through this to learn a bit more about where digital can help to make a practical difference: The Alliance - Discover Digital Guide
Have a look at this guidance which explores how to support people with digital tools. This will enable you to help people to understand, choose, and use everyday technology. Some of this was created for social care staff during the pandemic but the advice is still relevant and applies across the sector: Skills for Care - Supporting People with Everyday Technology
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) have developed this learning programme covering all aspects of Technology Enabled Care (TEC). You can work through all of the 23 activities or dip into the sections that interest you most: SSSC - 23 Things to Support Your Practice and Learning in Technology Enabled Care
This introductory e-learning module covers what Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is, why it is important and the benefits of using it to support people using your services. Please note you will need to register for a free Turas Learn account, find detailed instructions on how to do this here: TEC eLearning. Once you have done this, access the e-learning module and click on the Launch button: Introduction to Technology Enabled Care
Consider the digital tools that are already available to you in your role. Are you making the most of what these tools can do or do you need to learn more about them and how they can support your work? Find out if training is available or speak to your colleagues or line manager to discuss how you might find out more.
For further resources, visit the Innovation & Service Improvement page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub.
Level 2
Promotes the practical application of digital tools to support people
Level 2 - I actively develop my awareness of digital tools that are relevant to my role, my organisation, and the people I work with. I am happy to find out about appropriate new tools, learning how to use them, and sharing this knowledge with colleagues or people accessing services I provide, making recommendations where appropriate.
Have a look at this collection of guides on helping others with digital, whether this is through a formal digital champion role or more informally with your colleagues or the people accessing services you provide: Digital Unite - Helping Others
Watch this short video which covers some of the common questions people might have about trusting digital. The video uses the example of the NHS Inform website to demonstrate how queries can be addressed, but it may be helpful to think about a digital tool within your own service or role as you watch: Mhor Collective - Talking Trust in Digital Health
To develop your understanding of Technology Enabled Care (TEC), work through this e-learning module which covers types of TEC,. relevant legislation and some common challenges. Please note you will need to register for a free Turas Learn account, find detailed instructions on how to do this here: TEC eLearning. Once you have done this, access the e-learning module here: NHS Education for Scotland (NES) - Technology Enabled Care in Practice
For guidance on using digital tools to support children and young people's mental health & wellbeing, have a look at these Aye Mind resources, including the useful toolkit which you'll find linked along the bar at the top of the page: Aye Mind
Take some time to research new digital tools that are available and consider if any of these would be appropriate within your role or organisation. Think about how you can do this regularly to keep your knowledge up to date, and how will you share this information with colleagues who may also benefit.
For further resources, visit the Innovation & Service Improvement page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub. You may also be interested in applying for the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP) which aims to maximise the potential of digital solutions to benefit people.
Level 3
Promotes the practical application of digital tools to support people
Level 3 - I am skilled using digital tools. I can confidently discuss the pros and cons of different tools, make recommendations, and support others to make decisions about their use. I am always looking for new innovations and developments in digital tools that can apply to my role, and across my organisation (e.g. in artificial intelligence or robotics).
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) presents lots of opportunities for innovation across health and social care, however it's important to know how to use AI responsibly. This short e-learning module provides an overview of responsible AI and introduces some guiding principles: Google - Introduction to Responsible AI
Work through the information on this webpage and watch the recorded videos to hear senior healthcare leaders discuss the AI benefits that could improve outcomes for people using services, with important consideration of AI risks that need to be factored in to any decisions on using AI tools. Although covering AI in the NHS, the information here is applicable across the sector: The Health Foundation - AI in the NHS: Shaping the Future of Health Care
This short blog explores the use of digital health apps, the associated ethical and regulatory considerations, and the potential of these apps to drive a preventative, digital-first future for people using health and social care services: Deloitte - How Digital Health Apps are Empowering Patients, Improving Outcomes, and Increasing Accessibility
For further resources, visit the Innovation & Service Improvement page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub. You may also be interested in applying for the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP) which aims to maximise the potential of digital solutions to benefit people.
