Digital

How digital is supporting our Health and Care ambitions

June 16, 2017 by Stewart Hamilton No Comments | Category Uncategorized

This is a guest post from Dr Margaret Whoriskey, Head of Technology Enabled Care and Digital Healthcare Innovation, on what the refreshed digital strategy means for the health and social care.

The second in a series of posts from Chief Digital Officers in different sectors.

Realising Scotland’s full potential in a Digital World sets out the vision in which digital technology provides a foundation for integrated public services and how citizens, organisations, businesses and public services can maximise the opportunities and minimise the risks of current and new technology. The Health and Social Care Delivery Plan published in December 2016, is driving transformation across health and care.

We are all using digital technology in our everyday lives and there has been a rapid increase in digital experience. In 2016, 81% of the UK population owns or has access to a smartphone – a familiar device that has huge potential to support out health and wellbeing. We have an opportunity to empower citizens, users, patients, carers and families to co-design and develop digital solutions that help them to live longer healthier lives at home or in community settings and to maintain their independence, physical and mental health and wellbeing.

The use of online services, mobile technology and social media is pervasive and expectations are high. See image below:

There is growing interest and engagement in how digital technology can support citizens to stay well and have greater choice and control in managing manage their own health and care.

With the advances already made in the introduction of technology opportunities within our health and care services in Scotland, it is now appropriate to shift our focus from ‘technology’ itself to care, supported by ‘technology’. While there are some challenges with internet and mobile connectivity, interoperability and use of data – the digital strategy for Scotland commits to addressing these to ensure that digital access is available for all, with a Digital First approach for public services.

Scotland has a long and proud history of innovation – more recently over last few years we have seen several key e health/Technology Enabled Care (TEC) developments – making a real impact for citizens. We are using digital technology in many ways. Some programmes have scaled up and, while there is still room for improvement, we have real opportunities.

We published our National Action Plan for Technology Enabled Care in August 2016. Work is now underway to develop a new and ambitious Digital Health and Care Strategy for Scotland and we are keen to engage people in this. Join the conversation on Twitter via #GetDigitalHSC.

Making a difference

We have many examples of where TEC is making a difference to people:

• Scotland is currently at the forefront of implementing technology within care settings (for example, over 80% of those in receipt of formal social care services already use telecare to support their independence at home).
• NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Lothian are rolling out simple technology to support people to manage conditions such as blood pressure at home. This avoids an average of four to five GP or Practice Nurse Appointments per person.
• Video consultations means people do not have to travel for appointments and as well as saving time for staff and patients – it is also shown to have good outcomes.

These are just a few examples of the great work achieved to date and will continue to see more evidence emerging on how technology is supporting health and social care services across Scotland. If you wish to view more case studies, we have a selection of online resource available in our annual report and below.

NHS Highland – Technology Enabled care in NHS Highland

NHS Western Isles – Florence for Heart Failure Management (“Bossie Flossie”)

Quarriers – New Initiatives for Supported Independence

Dr Margaret Whoriskey

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