Communication using Technology

Overview

The use of digital technology has grown significantly.  Services such as on-line appointments, text messaging, video conferences for consultations, recording of health and social care treatment and care planning etc. are part of the services to patients.

Assistive technology, which are products or  systems which support individuals with, for example  monitoring their blood glucose or recording their blood pressure, or to support those who are visually challenged,  have been introduced over the last few years.  Mobile devices such as smart phones or smart watches have also assisted people to monitor their overall health, including their physical health.

However, there are also service users or patients who do not like the use of technology and digital devices may not suit everyone.

Using IT to support you in the workplace, from recording your working hours, to entering notes from engagements with service users may all use digital technology to assist in the recording and collection of data. Identifying the right way to communicate with patients/service users will be part of your role.

Why is this important

Digital technology has the power to transform services and provides those working in health and care settings with huge opportunity.

Technology also offers opportunities to help people maintain independence and improve outcomes using technology- enabled care. It can enable people to be connected with their communities which doesn’t always require a physical presence and empower service users to identify what support and advice may be available for them to consider at their own pace.

Growing and developing confident and skilled digital users across the workforce will potentially enable organisations to introduce technological solutions more quickly.

Skills such as using the internet, recording information in different software programmes (eg excel, word, PowerPoint) as well as using organisation’s systems for sending emails, recording treatment plans all support multi-disciplinary working and decision making.

Skills Review

Having completed this sub-topic I will understand the importance of these skills.

• I understand how to use technology appropriately and I am able to undertake a range of activities to assist with communication, organisational skills and recording of information.