"Are you in with the IT Crowd"

On Wednesday 5th "March Partners in Care" hosted an event in the Dorset County Council Offices aimed at the Care sector and the use of information technology. Up to 80 people attended the event, the majority of who were managers or owners of care homes throughout the region.

The day was kick off with a warm welcome from Cllr Barbara Manuel EDDC, and then progressed through a series of presentations designed to raise the awareness of the technology available to the care sector.

A wealth of information was supplied by the following:

David Hamer - Poseidon Telecommunication Services Ltd.

Information relating to internet provision and British Telecom 

Dr Carol Bond – Bournemouth University

Dr Bond gave a grass roots talk, so not too technical, on the benefits and pitfalls of websites the way in which you should develop them, and the benefits of a properly developed and maintained site.  

Mathew Butcher – Business Link

With a major push on ICT in the South West, Business Link have been handholding the small to medium business through the process of technological change and adoption, they can even provide funding toward this end when using recommended suppliers.

Of particular note were the case studies in a section titled "What works for us"

James Cross and Natily Berry from Coneygar Lodge in Bridport

Reporting on a database system they have had developed by Blue Parrot Software, they worked closely with the software manufacturer to create a tailored system which suits their particular operation.
 

The new system is obviously working for them as the results from their latest CSCI report will testify; they now have a single database system to handle everything from daily care plans to a full report suit, and James reports that the system is simple, intuitive and secure.
 

Pat Appleyard of  Eastbury House in Sherborne, Dorset

Then gave a heartfelt talk about residents in her home, the use of laptop computers, webcams and email to keep in touch with distant relatives; I must admit, the first thought that ran through my head whilst listening was "if I need to be in a care home when (and if) I get old, that is the place for me!"

It was refreshing to hear Pat talk of her service users coming to Eastbury House to "live" not to "die" and the diverse ways in which they try to engage and enrich the lives of residents.

Syndicate Exercise & Feedback 

Following this we were split into groups to run through some simple scenarios exploring the way in which information technology could be used to help care home staff and residents, and the obstacles which currently hinder this advance.

The general consensus was that people wanted Information, education and support to enable progression, the "exclusive" nature of the computers in the workplace needs to change, information technology is not just the realm of managers and senior staff, if used correctly it can benefit all staff and residents alike.

Funding is also a major issue and a suggestion was put forward that a central body be created to purchase equipment in bulk, this would increase purchasing power, pushing down prices and increasing bargaining power, care homes could then purchase equipment from the central store at a lower cost than usually available.

IT support staff were also cited as a problem, again cost being an issue, once again it was suggested a pooling of resources could be the solution, with homes using the services of a single engineer and thus spreading the cost.  
 

Finally the perceived disparity in CSCI inspections came up as it appears that some inspectors ( and Contract Monitoring Officers)  are embracing technology in the sector while others are actively against technological advance. The official view received by Kate Blake was, 

'As the regulator we would not specify nor recommend any branded IT system. However an IT system which is "fit for purpose" and can support a provider to supply our inspectors with the information they need to carry out an inspection, would be acceptable. Obviously the system would be robust, safe and secure. Our older person's guidance log standard 37.3 says:

1. Homes can keep electronic records. Under Section 31/32 of the Care Standards Act they need to be accessible to the person to whom they relate (so they have to be in a form that enables this), to others who work at the home and to inspectors. And a copy of the information can be printed off and taken away by an inspector if required.

2. Security and confidentiality of the electronic records need to be preserved. There are ways of demonstrating that the electronic record has not been altered except, for instance, by the addition of later information.  Any electronic signature should be (a) uniquely linked to the signatory, (b) capable of identifying the signatory, (c) created using means that the signatory can maintain under his sole control (d) linked to the data to which it relates in such a manner that any subsequent change of the data is detectable.

3. If the file of a person using the service is in a form that allows entries to be made in another medium, such as an audio record for a person with serious visual impairment, it must still allow for the person making each entry to be clearly identified. Also, the record must meet all the Regulations and Standards regardless of what form it is in.

4. There is no expectation from us to have direct access to medical notes.  This is not required in the regulations or standards. However where it is believed that a service user is not receiving proper care, Section 31 (5) and (6) of the Care Standards Act allows for medical records to be inspected by an authorised doctor or nurse.

In all it was a good day, it gave an insight into what information technologies are available and possible areas for development.
 

We wait with baited breath!