are a dedicated team of people, brought together to assist you with all things digital in your care setting.
Whether it’s NHS Mail, Data Protection, Cyber Security, DSPT, Digital Care Records and even Grant Applications, we are here to provide valuable, impartial information, as well as up to date training to help you every step of the way. Get in touch today, or visit our website to find out more about what we do, and how we can help.
sussexdigitalteam.co.uk
We can t wait to see you at our
Digital Conference
2024 on 5th November 2024 at the Brighton Amex Centre.
Following the success of last year's digital conference, we are delighted to inform you that we are organising another digital conference on 5th November.
This event will focus on how technology can improve care and outcomes for people.
Last year's conference was a great success, but this year we aim to make it even better. It will be much more interactive, giving you the opportunity to see technology in action and how it can be used to enhance the lives of the people you support.
You will learn how to improve their safety, enrich their quality of life, and enable you and your staff to focus resources where and when needed.
The conference will also cover how to protect your business from cyber attacks and data breaches, how to avoid being scammed, and how to make the most of records integration.
Some of the esteemed speakers who have already agreed to attend our conference include:
Amanda Partington Todd, Deputy Director for Adult Social Care at the CQC; Mike Bailey Locality Manager for Sussex;
Katie Thorn from Digitising Social Care;
Chris Whit
Daniel O'Sh
Lester Ald
DSPT 2024-25 live:
New question on Multi-Factor Authentication.
for 2024-25 is now live and ready to use There’s one new on which providers need to answer to reach Standards Met on data protection and cyber security – is reviewed and updated to ensure it covers the issues that are essential to protecting information
The DSPT for 2024-25 is now live If you’ve already added information to the toolkit, don’t worry, all the data you entered will still be held within the updated one.
If you’re updating and republishing your DSPT you will be prompted to answer an additional mandatory question on multi-factor authentication (MFA).
If you’re publishing for the first time and want to get to Standards Met – which is what you should aim for, you’ll need to answer this new question on MFA as well.
What is MFA and why is it important?
MFA is a security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts by requiring more than just a password to log in This could involve receiving a text message or email with a code, using a fingerprint scan, or employing an authenticator app You’ve likely already encountered MFA when using online banking or logging into social media accounts The goal of MFA is to ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive systems, such as your digital social care record or any cloud-based services By implementing MFA, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and keep their information secure.
It’s going to become increasingly important, so care providers need to get arrangements in place.
What’s in the DSPT about MFA?
The new question – which is mandatory to reach Standards Met or Standards Exceeded –asks you to confirm that: 4 5 3 Multi-factor authentication is enforced on all remotely accessible user accounts on all systems, with exceptions only as approved by your board or equivalent senior management
Read the full article: DSPT 2024-25 live: New question on Multi-Factor Authentication - Digital Care Hub
For more information and detailed guidance on implementing MFA, see our guide here
If you’ve got any questions, contact our helpline, or a local support organisation
Login to the DSPT 2024-25 here
3 Reasons Your Care Home Needs Full Coverage Wifi
1. Allow Residents to Stay Connected
As of 2021, according to carehomes co uk only 6,823 out of 21,500+ care homes in the UK have internet access for residents Whilst providing WiFi at an elderly care home might once have not been thought about, with the rise of internet usage in all age groups (including those over 75), providing an internet connection at a care home is becoming more and more expected. With people relying on the internet to catch up with friends and relatives, or to carry out online banking, it’s almost becoming a necessity of all b ll ot convinced that your home 3 reasons you need full our care home…
By having a WiFi connection that reaches every room in your care home, your residents will be able to use their smartphone, tablet or laptop to stay connected to the outside world. By using the internet, they can stay up to date with all the latest news and most importantly they can chat with family members and friends. With a strong WiFi connection, you are giving your residents the opportunity to communicate with their family and friends whenever they want. The International Longevity Centre – UK found that allowing residents to connect with their family and friends is good for their emotional well-being and helps them to feel less isolated.
2. Increase Independence of your Residents
The transition from living in your own home to living in a care home is often a life-changing event So, it’s important that residents are made to feel as comfortable as possible By giving your residents an internet connection in their room, you are allowing them to take care of their own entertainment so they not just reliant on the scheduled entertainment in your home. They will be able to browse the web, shop online, watch catch up TV and much more – just like they used to in their own home.
3. Improve Quality of Care
Not only is a strong WiFi connection important for your residents but it’s also crucial for your team to provide high levels of care By having WiFi that reaches even the furthest point of your building, your team will be able to carry an iPad or tablet from room to room to do care checks or update care records without worrying that the connection will drop It also makes it easy to implement Technology Enabled Care Solutions and dementia-friendly software Residents with dementia can use a tablet to listen to music or look at photos from different time periods as part of memory reminiscence tasks This sort of therapy would be difficult to carry out without a reliable internet connection across your entire home
3 Reasons Your Care Home Needs Full Coverage WiFi | Yo Telecom
Further information about the benefits of giving good WiFi to your residents:
of Giving WiFi to Residents in Care Homes (broadbandbuyer com)
We are running a 4 week workshop to cover all aspects of the DSPT.
Week 3: Data Security Thurs 7th Nov 1.30 - 2.30 pm eek 4: IT Systems & Devices urs 14th Nov 1.30 - 2.30 pm
NHS Mail - common questions and MFA.
We are hosting an essential webinar, Join us for an essential webinar designed for all NHSmail users as we walk you through the upcoming changes to NHSmail security protocols. Starting August 19, NHSmail users will begin receiving pop-up notifications prompting them to register an MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) method upon logging into their accounts. While this prompt can be snoozed for 14 days, all users must complete MFA registration by September 2, 2024. Failure to enrol in MFA by the deadline will result in significant changes to your NHSmail account, including:
Enhanced Password Policy: On September 2, passwords must be reset with a minimum of 20 characters
Session Management Changes: Persistent browsing sessions will no longer be allowed, and sign-in frequency will be restricted
Regular Password Expiry: Passwords will now expire every 90 days, requiring regular updates
Watch this video for more information: NHS
The clock is ticking to ‘grab a grant!’
If you are an adult social care provider in England looking to adopt or implement new technology, there may be funding available to help. The funding available depends on your location, what your needs are, and whether you are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This guidance will help you to identify suitable funding and find contact information for funders.
The clock is ticking to access funding, but your local team is here to help you.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) provides funding support to help providers implement digital care planning approaches through a digital social care record (DSCR) . The aim is for 80% of CQC registered providers and 80% of people to have a digital social care record (DSCR), in place by March 2025
Providers who have already implemented a DSCR solution are now seeing a huge range of benefits in how they operate, from time savings and greater efficiency through to better collaboration with relatives and huge decreases in the volume of paper being used The clock is ticking to access funding It won’t be around forever, but there’s a local team ready to help you The process is simple when you know how – follow these steps:
1. Reach out to us at the Sussex Digital In Reach Team.
2. Chat to other care providers who are already using digital care plans, find out how the transition has been for them – your local team can put you in touch
3. It’s a good idea to complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit to make sure you know how to keep both your paper-based and digital information safe and secure.
4. Think about what you need from a digital care plan solution – what does your organisation need it to do?
5. Look through the list of assured solutions on offer and make a shortlist of the ones that meet your needs.
6. Talk to your shortlist of suppliers. Invite them in to give you a demo, watch the videos available on our website.
7. Involve your team – ask their opinions on what sort of solution will work best for them.
8. Decide which solution supplier you would like to go with.
9 Sussex Digital In Reach Team can help you with the process of accessing the funding support on offer to help with your first-year costs.
10. Once you’ve gone through all of these steps, time to work with your chosen supplier to implement your digital care plan solution.
11. You’re off! You’ve taken the first steps on your digital transformation journey.
We are your local team! We can help!
Over 82% of care providers in Sussex already use digital social care records, making a huge difference for managers and staff If you haven't transitioned yet, what's stopping you?
Time and money are common barriers, but the Digital Social Care programme can help The Adult Social Care Digital Transformation Fund is available this year to cover costs, and our 'Clock is Ticking' campaign provides guidance on securing funding and choosing the right solution Visit Digital Social Care Records (sussexdigitalteam.co.uk) for more details and local support.
ds save time and money, streamline processes, and improve care quality us, your local team, for help and act now before the funding deadline digitising your care planning today and experience the benefits.
DSCR Grants
Grants are available for adopting a Digital Social Care Record (DSCR).
By going digital, you can enhance the quality of care you provide and streamline your operations. Here’s why you should not miss out:
Benefits of Implementing a Digital Social Care Record:
●Efficiency at Your Fingertips: Capture information easily at the point of care, allowing more time for what matters most—caring for your clients
●Rapid Response: Support staff can react swiftly to changes in clients’ needs, ensuring timely and effective care1
●Secure Sharing: Quickly and securely share vital information between care settings, safeguarding client confidentiality
●Safety First: Minimise risks to client safety with a system that’s always up-to-date and accessible
Contact Claire to find out more: Claire@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk to a digital care record system.
Check out the Assured Suppliers list below and book your demonstration to see how they can positively impact your workplace.
Choosing the right solution for your Digital Care Records
Once you have decided to start using digital social care records (DSCRs), you will need to find the right software solution for your organisation.
There are many different options available, so it’s important to take time to consider your needs thoroughly
Working out what you need When choosing the right DSCR for your organisation, you need to decide what the system needs to do.
Think about what’s essential and what’s optional. All assured suppliers offer basic features, so it’s important to consider what additional features you might need.
See the full list of Assured Suppliers: View the assured solutions list
To find out more about one of the digital social care record systems, visit this YouTube channel to watch a 30 minute demonstration of each solution.
Experts reveal growing public support for use of AI in elderly care as innovative care services launched.
News
provided by Taking
Care
Personal Alarms on Thursday 3rd Oct 2024
A combination of AI and Big Data is transforming elderly care from reactive to proactive, and Taking Care, the UK's leading personal alarm provider, is at the forefront of this innovation.
Taking Care has unveiled ActiveAlert, an innovative technology that acts as an early warning system to alert family members about potential health concerns among older adults. This service helps older adults remain independent at home for longer, addressing caregiving challenges and aligning with growing public acceptance of technology in elderly care.
Personal alarms help older people live independently and provide a way to call for help in an emergency. ActiveAlert uses insights from 30 years of alarm call data to monitor how and when the personal alarms are used. By detecting changes in usage patterns, the ActiveAlert algorithm identifies potential health and wellbeing concerns among older adults who rely on the alarms. The technology acts as an early warning system by triggering a wellbeing check-in call when it detects changes in the frequency, timing, or nature of alarm calls. These changes may indicate a shift in the user's condition or overall wellbeing.
ActiveAlert has been developed as part of Taking Care’s broader commitment to revolutionise its approach by establishing a proactive approach to elderly care, and a mindset shift away from reactively addressing an older adult’s care plan after their health or independence declines.
Recent research commissioned by Taking Care highlights growing concerns about elderly care and an increasing openness to technological solutions:
● Only 26% of people say they have the time to provide around-the-clock care for their older relatives.
● 64% are concerned about their older relatives living alone.
● 76% would support the use of AI if it enhances health and independence for older adults.
● 72% believe innovations in technology can truly support health and wellbeing.
Devised to respond to the UK’s ageing population, ActiveAlert can alert potential concerns or red flags to families before emergency scenarios arise, allowing carers and family members to proactively put the steps in place to support their older relatives and manage health and frailty, reducing health service dependence and supporting independence in later life.
With more than 3.2m people aged 80 and above in the UK and insights from the NHS showing that one in two of these will likely have at least one fall this year alone, reactive elderly care could be costing the health service in excess of £350m a year, especially when A&E triage and overnight hospital stays are required
Taking Care’s new ActiveAlert solution, aims to alleviate health service strain and also offer further support to the "sandwich generation", made up of more than 10m informal carers, who often struggle to check on family members regularly due to location, lifestyle, or work and family commitments.
By embracing AI and proactive monitoring, Taking Care is setting a new standard in elderly care ensuring that older adults can maintain their independence while families
Experts reveal growing public support for use of AI in elderly care as innovative care service launched | Pressat
● Read our press release
Care Workers’ Charity release guidance and statement of expectations on responsible use of AI in social care.
The Care Workers’ Charity have released the ‘Care Workers’ Guidance and Statement of Expectations on the Responsible Use of AI and Particularly Generative AI in Adult Social Care.’ This document, informed by the roundtable discussions, offers key principles and recommendations for AI developers, employers, policymakers, local authorities, egulators, and care workers themselves.
● Read the Care Workers Charity press release
● Read the statement (PDF)
Our team is currently fundraising for the Care Workers Charity. If you would like to support, you can find information on our Just Giving page.
Care providers - what cyber security support do you need?
The Care Provider Alliance (CPA) and Better Security, Better Care are working together to identify the current data protection and cyber security arrangements and future support needs of care providers.
All adult social care providers in England are invited to answer a short survey about how they currently protect information, what they consider to be the future challenges, and what advice and support could help them Get involved by completing the survey: Keeping information safe: Data protection and cyber security in social care (office.com)
Tuesday 29th October: 10.30 - 11.30am
Skills for Care are running an Interactive Seminar for services who want to understand the practical ways to be ready for their CQC Assessment.
Thursday 14th November - 10.00am - 3.30pm.
This event will bring together frontline managers to learn about the step-by-step ways to be ready to evidence that their service meets CQC expectations to achieve a Good or Outstanding rating.
This seminar will cover:
■ why CQC assessment is important
■ CQC standards and legislation
■ CQC monitoring and assessment process, including ratings
■ involving others in the assessment process
■ the importance of quality assurance
■ evidencing that you meet CQC standards
■ latest insight into CQC priorities. Register your plac
Thursday 10th October 2.00 - 4.00pm.
Plexus Shared Record Pilot: Information Governance
Wednesday 9th October: 11.00 - 12.00pm
Plexus Shared Record Pilot: Information Governance
DSPT - Interactive Workshop - Week 3: Data Security
Thursday 7th November: 1.30 - 2.30pm
Data Security & Your Business Continuity Plan
Tuesday 12th November: 1.30 - 2.30pm
DSPT - Interactive Workshop - Week 4: Systems
Thursday 14th November: 1.30 - 2.30pm
Join Our Facebook
Join our Sussex Digital In-Reach Team Homecare Facebook
We will keep you up to date variety of topics, such as the the news from CQC, discussions, advice, training and up to date information designed for Sussex Care staff and managers.
We would love to have your feedback. Whether it’s good or bad, please drop us a line with how you think we’re doing. Do you have any training ideas or needs we can help with, are there any topics you would like covered in our newsletter or social media posts? Email us to tell us your thoughts. support@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk
Nada Wakeford nada@westsussexpartnersincare.org
Brian Roberts brian@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk
Sarah McNally sarah@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk
Claire Badzek claire@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk
Natasha Fowler natasha@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk
Georgie Ind georgie@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk
Sam Harper sam@harperdigitalskills.co.uk
Or phone us on 07860 630063 www.sussexdigitalteam.co.uk
