ITEC 2025 - Transforming Futures Through Digital Innovation - is launched!
Meet your Plenary chair and explore the ITEC themes
Lord Darzi’s report - an opportunity for TEC
Revolutionising TEC training with the Virtual Home from TSA
A new national standard for TEC to be launched
September 2024
Alyson Scurfield TSA Chief Executive
It was welcome news to see Lord Darzi calling for more NHS funding to be spent in communities, through multidisciplinary and neighbourhood-based models of care, in his recent report on the state of the NHS in England.
I’m already speaking to officials in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) about the vital role TEC can play in achieving this shift from hospital to community, and from treatment to prevention, putting forward some central arguments:
TEC services cut hospital discharge by an • average of five days, helping people to feel safe and supported in their own home.
85% of peopl
• e who’ve fallen, remain at home if their call is handled by a TEC falls team.
A&E conveyances drop • by 68% when proactive TEC is used.
TEC boosts people’s • independence and wellbeing, helping them to access early support, closer to home.
Sticking with the subject of Government action, it was great to see the Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock meeting people who have lived experience of social care – including TEC Quality board member, Anna
Severwright - as he begins work on care reform. Listening to the voices and expertise of individuals who draw on care is absolutely key to improving services, systems and, most importantly, lives.
One of the core shifts Stephen Kinnock describes as essential to NHS reform is moving from analogue to digital. As we all know, this is a hot topic within our sector, too. At the end of August, I had the pleasure of meeting someone with lived experience of just that - Vincent, who is in his 80s, lives in Stockport and relies heavily on telecare.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in the TEC sector with all the latest news from our valued members, including all of the latest developments and views from Access, Person Centred Software, Appello, Painchek, Adaptive Care, Carium and many more.
Visit our Member News page here for mor e, and remember to bookmark the page!
Vincent is involved in our digital switchover trial with Virgin Media O2 and Carecall, and you can read about the results on page 12.
I also want to share the excellent progress of our new governance committees. Turn to pages 5-6 for updates from Board member Simon Arnold who also chairs the Strategic Futures Advisory Committee (SFAC) and TSA’s Head of Technology, Steve Sadler on the Sector Risk and Innovation Group (SRIG).
This important work from SFAC and SRIG is mapped against the business priorities of TSA and TEC Quality, informing the delivery programmes set by our boards. One of these programmes is centred on improving the quality of TEC, something I have been speaking to Government officials about in detail over recent months. More news on this soon.
Another priority is workforce. We know that TEC can support health and care staff, increasing efficiency and productivity, quality of work, job satisfaction and retention. We’re lucky enough to be working with online learning consultant Julie Stone, who was formerly Associate Pro ViceChancellor and Director of Online Learning at the University of Derby. Julie is working with us on a range of workforce tools and services including the Virtual Home. Turn to pages 8-9 to read more.
We’re also focusing on profile-raising for our wonderful sector through a brand new communications campaign to boost understanding of TEC and its benefits.
Plans are underway for a new partnership between TSA and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) – more to be announced on this in due course.
And finally, I am thrilled to announce that our chair for next year’s ITEC Conference is no other than Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Britain’s greatest Paralympic athlete. Keep your eyes on the ITEC website for updates on other wonderful speakers, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales.
Enjoy September’s issue.
On 12 September, Lord Darzi published his investigation of the state of NHS. Although an assessment of social care was not in scope, there are some important learnings and themes relevant to care and TEC.
If you want to find out more about the report, then have a look at this summary letter and video synopsis, or the full report. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) have also published an insightful blog reflecting on what the report means for social care.
Overall, Professor Lord Darzi, who himself has worked in the NHS for 30 years, says the NHS is in serious trouble, although its vital signs remain strong. He notes that public satisfaction is now at its lowest ever.
The report outlines a context of challenging social • health determinants and declining healthy life expectancy, and it identifies three major shocks which have led to the current crisis: austerity, a shortfall in capital investment (including technology) and the impact of Covid.
…the hundreds of thousands of NHS staff working outside hospitals urgently need the benefits of digital systems. There is enormous potential in AI to transform care and for life sciences breakthroughs to create new treatments.”
The NHS remains in the foothills of digital transformation. Indeed, the last decade was a missed opportunity to prepare the NHS for the future and to embrace the technologies that would enable a shift in the model from ‘diagnose and treat’ to ‘predict and prevent’.”
It’s worth noting there is a whole chapter around technology which includes the impact of virtual wards but also highlights how there have been ‘low levels of tech uptake’ over recent years.
I was very excited to bring together the members of the Strategic Futures Advisory Committee (SFAC) for our inaugural meeting in July. Having so much experience and knowledge (both lived and professional) to help us in shaping our future as TSA and as a sector brings a fantastic opportunity.
As a result, waiting lists for community
• services and mental health have surged.
…the dire state of social care means 13 per cent of NHS beds are occupied by people waiting for social care support or care in more appropriate settings.”
• little is spent in the community.
Too many people end up in hospital because too
…when things go wrong the knee-jerk response from ministers has been to throw more money at hospitals where the pressure is most apparent as waiting areas fill up and ambulances queue outside.”
• Too many staff are disengaged.
The patient voice is not loud enough.
• Lord Darzi sets out some major themes relevant to TEC to inform the Government’s forthcoming 10-year health plan:
•
Re-engage staff and empower patients.
• hardwiring financial flows.
Lock in the shift of care closer to home by
In the wake of this report, Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has promised the ‘biggest re-imagining of our NHS since its birth,’ outlining three Big Shifts for the NHS:
Moving care from hospitals to the community 1.
Shifting services from analogue to digital 2.
Moving away from treating sickness to 3. prevention
He also declared that the Government’s 10-year plan for the NHS will ‘have the fingerprints of NHS staff and patients all over it.’
It is clear that technology enabled care can support with many of the issues and opportunities identified in Lord Darzi’s report. Our Chief Executive, Alyson Scurfield is now speaking to officials at the Department of Health and Social Care to make the case for TEC and we will keep you updated on all developments.
As a reminder, the purpose of SFAC is about supporting the TSA boards in setting the strategic direction and ensuring a long-term vision. Its focus is very much the 10-year horizon and anticipating what strategic risks and opportunities may emerge.
Our first session was great – being expertly facilitated by Katy Cox, we spent time visioning, discussing and outlining possible ways in which the health and care landscape and people’s needs may evolve and what that could mean for technology enabled care. We took the extensive outputs of the day to the TSA joint Boards awayday later in July and this has thrown up some really interesting challenges and opportunities for us to consider.
It is certainly clear that the health and care system has to change, and without doubt there is a big ambition for technology to help people have choice in how they live their lives – both in terms of traditional TEC and also emerging new consumer technologies.
The NHS capital budget was repeatedly raided to
• plug holes in day-to-day spending. This has had a significant impact on technology usage.
• neighbourhood NHS.
Simplify and innovate care delivery for
•
Tilt towards technology.
Let us know what you think of Lord Darzi’s report and the implications for TEC.
Get in touch at: admin@tsa-voice.org.uk
We have to consider all these trends in supporting TSA over the next few months to set the basis for its strategic vision, mission and direction for the next five years. Our next face to face meeting is in November and we are busy shaping up the agenda and inputs that will provide more prompts and guidance for TSA.
Find out more about SFAC and TSA’s governance committees here:
https://www.tsa-voice.org.uk/about-tsa/governance/
By Steve Sadler Head of Technology Strategy, TSA
We’ll be developing guidance and standards to • boost the resilience of key systems, building on previous work on service resilience and communications reliability.
By Alan Williamson, Head of Strategic Engagement and Communications at TSA
You may remember that earlier this year, social policy researcher Dr Sarah Alden published a study commissioned by the TEC Action Alliance, which looked at what people want from TEC.
You will recall that the Sector Risk and Innovation Group (SRIG) was set-up earlier in 2024 as part of TSA’s revised governance structure, to examine the key issues facing the TEC sector over the coming two to three years. We have also welcomed Stuart Cole (Mole Valley) as a new SRIG member. Stuart brings great operational and commissioning insight to the group.
Several SRIG workshops have already taken place, where inputs were taken from multiple sources: TSA board reviews, surveys, member feedback, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) insights, research studies from TAPPI (Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation), TEC Action Alliance and many more. The SRIG team managed to distil this information into four key themes where actions are to be prioritised through ‘Innovation and Challenge Groups’ (ICGs), namely:
Our short-term focus is on known barriers to • market growth, co-developing solutions and tools (inc. cost/benefits and business planning), and proposals for capturing consumer outcomes at the heart of evidence and evaluation (for existing and emergent TEC service models).
Future work will examine the use of consumer/ • familiar technologies within TEC, and a common dataset and user-friendly language for TEC.
TEC-specific (cyber) security risks and • requirements and standards for interoperability and integration are also prioritised.
Parallel SRIG workstreams will create demands • for new or changed compliance standards, and the processes for QSF consultation and amendment will be revised to ensure a rapid response to the issues raised. The aim is to ensure that standards are maintained as the ‘golden thread’ that differentiates TEC.
We’ll be supporting TSA’s current Workforce • Development project with digital TEC education and training content, to enable consistent and highquality services.
Details of work programmes and how you can get involved are being shared through TSA member events, and you can also contact membership@ tsa-voice.org.uk for more information.
One of Sarah Alden’s key findings was the lack of common understanding around TEC. There is no consistent, simple language that helps people to ‘get’ TEC and navigate the options.
This is something that TSA members, and people outside of the sector tell us time and time again. A clear awareness of TEC - what it is and the benefits it offers - just isn’t there.
One reason, as identified in Sarah Alden’s research, is our sector’s focus on equipment and kit. TEC messaging, imagery and language often centres on technology, not people.
As the national advisory body for TEC, we want to change this and shout from the rooftops about how TEC helps people to lead gloriously ordinary lives, full of meaning and purpose.
And we’re developing a campaign to communicate exactly that.
We want to arm our members with a suite of creative assets which they can use to raise
awareness of their services and solutions; targeting not just commissioners, but the people and families who draw on TEC.
We also want to provide partners and stakeholders, from NHS staff to government officials, with simple assets that convince them of the power of TEC.
We believe that now is the time for this campaign – showing the new Government how TEC can support their vision; shifting the paradigm from treating sickness in hospitals to preventing it at home, in the community.
We are in the very early stages of development, but over the next few months we’ll be testing campaign concepts on members, stakeholders and, crucially, people who draw on social care, to ensure it represents their lived experience.
Watch this space for further updates and do get in touch if you’d like to be involved or have any feedback: alan.williamson@tsa-voice.org.uk
In the fast-paced world of Technology-Enabled Care (TEC), staying current is crucial. The Virtual Home, an innovative training solution from TSA, is set to transform how professionals in health, care, and housing sectors acquire and apply essential TEC skills.
The Virtual Home offers an immersive digital environment, enabling your team to develop their expertise in realistic, lifelike scenarios. Unlike traditional training, this platform ensures that learners not only grasp the theory but also confidently apply TEC solutions in real-world contexts. Crafted with input from industry stakeholders, the Virtual Home delivers upto-date, impactful knowledge, ensuring your workforce is well-prepared for the challenges they face.
The Virtual Home is more than just a training tool; it’s a pathway to professional excellence. Starting with the TEC Explorer level, participants are introduced to the basics of TEC, breaking down jargon and demonstrating how technology can enhance safety and independence at home. For those seeking deeper expertise, the TEC Expert level provides an advanced understanding of TEC applications, covering vital areas like ethics, safeguarding, and the ongoing evaluation of technology solutions.
A standout feature of the Virtual Home is its comprehensive assessment tools, available in both English and Welsh. These resources streamline TEC assessments, promoting a user-centric, inclusive approach that improves care outcomes and user satisfaction.
The Virtual Home’s impact is already being felt across the UK. Over 4,500 professionals and more than 20 organisations have embraced the platform, with local authorities reporting sustained increases of up to 49% in quality TEC referrals after incorporating Virtual Home training.
For organisations looking to enhance their training programmes, the Virtual Home offers affordable annual licensing. This cost-effective solution provides exclusive access to a suite of e-learning modules and scenariobased training that is both comprehensive and engaging.
The Virtual Home has redefined our training. The hands-on scenarios are invaluable, and our team is now more confident and skilled in TEC.”
Training Lead, TEC Services Provider
Transform your training approach with the Virtual Home. Equip your team with the skills they need to excel.
Contact us at: workforce@tsa-voice.org.uk or call 01625 520 320 to learn more.
Your journey to mastery starts here.
17 - 18 March The ICC, Birmingham
Over the years, the International Technology Enabled Care (ITEC) Conference has proved itself to be the leading annual TEC event, renowned for delivering a vast array of themed content, and the 2025 Conference will be no different.
Scheduled for 17-18 March 2025, over 1,100 enthusiastic speakers, delegates and exhibitors will meet at the ICC in Birmingham. ITEC 2025 promises to be another step on our collective journey towards revolutionising care through technology.
We are delighted to announce that the title for the 2025 ITEC Conference is: Transforming Lives through Digital Innovation : Unlocking Insights, Building Knowledge, Improving Outcomes
Enjoy a packed two-day programme of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, live feedback, networking opportunities and real-life experience.
At ITEC 2025, we believe in action-driven transformation to allow people to lead ‘gloriously ordinary lives’. This event offers you the opportunity to convert insights into tangible results for your organisation. You’ll leave with:
Practical tools and strategies to lead your organisation through digital transformation.
Best practice from successful implementations of TEC solutions, shared by industry leaders.
Lived experiences and case studies that bring the theory of digital care to life.
Actionable knowledge on how to utilise data, develop your workforce, and create partnerships that drive meaningful change.
The Technology Enabled Care sector is undergoing a crucial transition from analogue to digital services, and ITEC 2025 is your opportunity to be at the forefront of this essential transformation. Learn from leading experts on the latest industry updates in the transition, and how to guide your organisation through this change and ensure that the benefits of digital care are realised, ensuring a safe migration for those who are most vulnerable in our society.
Even though a select number of communication providers have now set a final migration date for January 2027, there is no time to delay and action must be taken to understand how to implement this shift effectively. At ITEC 2025, we’ll explore how data is driving a transformation in health, care and housing services and systems, allowing for more proactive and preventative approaches to ensure the best outcomes for people. The power of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics is enabling care systems to anticipate the needs of those who rely on care before they arise, offering a more tailored and responsive service.
As we embrace digital transformation, maintaining quality and safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to keeping people safe. At ITEC 2025, you will explore how standards are being used to guarantee excellence in digital care, ensuring that services remain safe, effective, and trustworthy.
Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the most transformative care event of the year. Whether you are a care provider, commissioner, technology expert, or policy maker, ITEC 2025 will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships to lead the future of care.
We will be opening delegate registrations soon – stay tuned to www.itecconf.org.u k for the latest updates!
Sponsored by:
17 - 18 March The ICC, Birmingham
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of BS 8684:2024a groundbreaking British Standard published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) - dedicated to Technology Enabled Care (TEC) services.
Paralympic Icon, Campaigner and Parliamentarian
We are delighted to announce Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson as your ITEC 2025
Plenary Chair
Tanni is Britain’s greatest Paralympic athlete. She competed in five Paralympic Games winning 11 gold medals, 4 silvers and 1 bronze and is acknowledged as one of the most gifted and courageous sportswomen of her generation. In addition to her outstanding Paralympic achievements, between 1992 and 2002 she won the London Wheelchair Marathon a total of six times.
Retirement has not slowed her down and Tanni has gone on to play a prominent role in public life. In 2005 she was made ‘Dame’ Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE for her services to sport, while in 2010 she was elevated to the House of Lords as a crossbench peer. With a particular focus on sport, disability, health, welfare and youth development she has made significant contributions to debates on welfare reform, assisted dying and sports governance.
Amongst other positions she is a Non-Executive Director of the BBC, sits on the board of TfL, is Chair of UK Active, Chancellor of Northumbria University and President of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations. She also acts as an ambassador for UNICEF, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the sport for social change movement Beyond Sport.
She is also a respected authority on disability sporting issues, a key part of the BBC’s Paralympic coverage team and a regular television and radio broadcast journalist. Most recently, Tanni has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year show.
We look forward to you joining us on the Plenary stage at ITEC 2025!
This new standard represents a major step forward in the evolution of TEC.
Scheduled for release at the end of September, BS 8684 Technology enabled care – Assessment of user needs and risks, system design, installation and maintenance – Code of practice marks the first comprehensive guideline in the UK designed to standardize the entire TEC service delivery chain—from assessment and installation to ongoing maintenance and data management.
BS 8684 was developed in response to the growing demand for consistent and high-quality TEC services.
With more people relying on technology to maintain their independence and well-being, the need for a unified standard became increasingly clear. The standard was created through the collaboration of key organizations within the TEC sector, including the TEC Services Association (TSA), which played a pivotal role in its development.
TSA, along with other industry stakeholders, recognized the fragmented nature of current service delivery and sought to address the risks associated with inconsistent practices across the sector.
The expected impact of BS 8684 is significant.
By establishing a consistent approach to TEC service delivery, the standard will help reduce the risks faced by vulnerable individuals relying on these technologies.
It will also empower local authorities, care providers, and service commissioners to deliver more effective and reliable TEC services, ultimately improving the quality of care and enhancing the independence and well-being of users.
This standard is expected to improve how care is delivered, ensuring that TEC solutions are safe, reliable, and, most importantly, tailored to the specific needs of individuals.
As the launch of BS 8684 approaches, organizations involved in TEC services are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the standard and prepare to integrate its guidelines into their operations.
This new standard represents a major step forward in the evolution of Technology Enabled care, setting a new benchmark for safety, reliability, and personcentred service delivery.
Ensure you’re an early adopter of this new standard. Sign up now to be the first to know when BS 8684 has launched.
You can register your interest here: https://pages.bsigroup.com/BS8684
By Charlotte Findlay
We’ve had a busy few months delivering our wide-ranging Digital Switchover programme. Here’s an overview of what’s been happening.
I mentioned in July’s TEC Voice that we’ve partnered with Virgin Media O2 and Stockport-based Carecall to enhance support for telecare users as their landline services are migrated.
Carecall is part of Stockport Homes Group, which provides Stockport Council’s housing services. Stockport Council is the first local authority to form a partnership with a telecoms company and TSA.
This pioneering trial aims to develop, test and refine ways for the telecoms industry to work with local authorities and alarm providers to identify and migrate telecare customers, creating a gold-standard blueprint for a future wider roll-out. And we’re seeing some great results.
The trial has seen around 80% of targeted telecare customers successfully switched to Digital Voice on a voluntary basis.
Although it only began in July, the trial has seen around 80% of targeted telecare customers successfully switched to Digital Voice on a voluntary basis, rising to 95% when accounting for those with appointments booked in.* All customers’ services are being closely monitored post-migration to ensure a smooth transition to the new technology.
Excitingly, we’re creating a video about the trial, along with some case studies which we’ll be sharing far and wide in the autumn.
Further trials in different parts of the country are now planned to refine the process ahead of a potential nationwide roll-out.
It’s important to note that this work was made possible because Stockport Homes signed a data-sharing agreement with Virgin Media O2 meaning telecare users could be quickly and efficiently identified. Virgin Media O2 has written to every local authority it operates in, encouraging others to follow in Stockport Homes’ footsteps and establish invaluable data-sharing agreements where they haven’t done so already.
To date, more than 4 in 5 of local authorities written to have not yet formed a data agreement with Virgin Media O2, with many not responding to communications at all. We’re hoping to change that.
If your local authority, housing association or care provider is interested in working with TSA and Virgin Media O2 on a similar trial, or if you want to find out more about the data sharing agreement and hear Stockport Homes’ experience, then please contact me on:
Charlotte.Findlay@tsa-voice.org.uk
“We need to make it easier for everyone to live happy, healthy and independent lives, where people can access the care and support they need. Working closely with our partners will ensure the borough’s telecare users are given the support and reassurance they need during this important Digital Voice switchover. This piece of work is vital to future proof services and keep our residents connected to what is a lifeline for so many people. I’m delighted that Stockport are the first local authority to be involved in the trial to benefit our elderly and disabled residents.”
“Over two million people in the UK rely on telecare services to live independent lives and our sector is very concerned about the impact of power failures on digital landlines. Our prime goal is to support older and disabled people as their landlines change from analogue to digital and that’s why we’re working closely with Virgin Media O2 and Carecall.
We’re creating a blueprint for safe, smooth, speedy digital migration that can be adopted by other housing associations, local authorities, care providers and telecoms providers. We’re also developing guidance, training and quality standards that can support this best-practice migration process.”
“Carecall are delighted to have been chosen to take part in this telecare pilot programme. Having this pilot take place right here in Stockport is a tremendous opportunity, allowing us to ensure our services are fully prepared for the digital future whilst remaining deeply connected to our local community. This is just one of many initiatives Carecall has undertaken to ensure a seamless transition during the switchover and it highlights our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation for the safety and wellbeing of our customers.”
“With the decades-old phone network becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, we must take action to ensure we are safeguarding landline services in future. We know that change is never easy, however we’re committed to providing enhanced support and doing everything we can for our customers as we migrate to digital voice services.
“Our partnership with TSA and trial in Stockport are helping us develop a scalable model to safely migrate our most vulnerable customers. By helping to better identify telecare customers and working together to reach our shared customers, this innovative project provides a gold standard service which could be the blueprint for our future roll-out.
“Cross industry collaboration is essential to make the digital migration a success so it’s deeply concerning that some local authorities and telecare providers are still not engaging with us despite our repeated efforts. We encourage all parties to step up and work with the industry on this switchover, and for Government to create a “Telecare Charter” to make sure everyone is playing their role and is clear on their responsibilities.”
TSA continues to proudly represent the voice of the TEC sector on the national Telecare Action Board (TAB) which is made up of telecoms companies, TEC service providers, government departments and a range of other national representative bodies.
As a reminder, our aim with TAB is to bring together key stakeholders who have the responsibility to ensure the digital migration is delivered in a safe and managed way.
TSA is collaborating with (and challenging) fellow TAB members to ensure the lives and safety of individuals drawing on telecare are at the forefront of people’s minds when making decisions.
We’re also sharing our learnings from the Stockport trial at TAB, showing others how this collaborative programme has been structured and run to deliver results and keep telecare users safe.
And we’re representing the priorities and experiences of our members, so TAB stakeholders understand the TEC sector and its hugely important work and consider how they can collaborate with you, our members during the digital switchover.
Importantly, Gareth Lister, Director of Customer Products at Virgin Media O2 (who has been instrumental in developing the Stockport trial) updated TAB on a roundtable in early September he attended with the new Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms, Chris Bryant. Gareth and others in the telecoms sector discussed the Digital Voice Switchover with the new Minister and the need for Government to play a bigger role.
If you’d like to get involved with any of this Digital Switchover work or you want to know more, then contact me at: Charlotte.Findlay@tsa-voice.org.uk
A letter was recently sent to TEC suppliers from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It asked suppliers to deliver on three requests: Stop selling analogue 1. devices
Test any analogue devices 2. still in use and make the results public Ensure devices 3. are interoperable (Government want to be made aware of any suppliers blocking integration)
If you have any questions about this letter and how you can support the Government’s requests, please contact me on Charlotte.Findlay@tsa-voice.org.uk
By Clenton Farquharson CBE, Co-Chair, TEC Action Alliance and Associate Director, Think Local Act Personal (TLAP)
What do I want from technology enabled care? It’s a question I often consider, particularly as someone who works in social care and who draws on digital care.
But surprisingly, it’s not a question I’ve ever been asked. The organisations providing my care don’t ask, nor do the companies developing the support systems I use.
I’m not alone. Despite 2.03 million people in the UK using technology enabled care (TEC) – from telecare pendant alarms to home monitoring sensors – most people are allocated certain types of TEC rather than being asked, early on, what exactly they want. When gadgets are imposed on people, particularly individuals who lack confidence around technology, without good conversations about their ambitions, this often leads to frustration and low engagement. I’ve heard many stories of people putting their TEC device in a drawer and leaving it there.
These aren’t just my observations. Evidence from a recent academic study draws the same conclusions. When social policy researcher Dr Sarah Alden began to examine what people want from TEC, she found that most studies include views from care staff and care organisations, but not people who draw on care themselves.
Most people are allocated certain types of TEC rather than being asked, early on, what exactly they want.
People said they wanted:
To know more about the ways in which technology can meet their needs.
Devices and systems that support them to do more for themselves.
To maintain control over care technology, wherever possible.
Peace of mind for them and their families through connected technology.
Technology that is joined-up and compatible with familiar devices.
Technology to be tailored to their needs and offer them genuine choice.
A say in the design and functionality of their care technology.
Help, advice and training if they struggle to access or adopt technology.
Reassurance around online safety and autonomy over their data.
We’re now calling on councillors, commissioners and service providers, whenever they procure TEC contracts, to ensure suppliers respond to these nine principles.
Determined to rectify this, Sarah conducted nearly 50 interviews and focus groups with people, families and unpaid carers, and examined over 100 sources of evidence to explore the different ways people use technology to support their lives.
Her findings were published recently by the TEC Action Alliance, a group of around 30 care organisations including the Local Government Association, Care England, Homecare Association and the TEC Services Association (TSA) whose aim is to put the voice of people, families and unpaid carers centre stage when technology enabled care (TEC) services and solutions are developed.
The Alliance commissioned the research for their latest report, ‘Implementing TEC so we can all live gloriously ordinary lives,’ and the results are eye opening. When people were asked what they wanted from TEC, nine clear priorities came out.
We’re also calling for a simple, common TEC language. Commissioners, service providers and suppliers all use different, often technical terms. Replacing these with easy-to-understand definitions, recognised by everyone would support more people, families, health and social care professionals to understand and find suitable digital care.
I believe passionately that these foundations must be in place when digital support is provided, so everyone can lead the technology-enabled lives they deserve.
Download the TEC Action Alliance Action Paper, ‘Implementing TEC so we can all live gloriously ordinary lives’ here: https://tec-action.org.uk/implementing-tec-sowe-can-all-live-gloriously-ordinary-lives/
Date:
Tuesday 19 November 2024, 09:00 – 15:30
Venue:
Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow Central
Join us for Collaborative Care at Home: Utilising the Power of Partnerships and Data to Enhance People’s Lives, an essential event in bringing together leaders and innovators from across the care sector from Scotland and beyond to explore how partnerships and data can transform care at home. Scheduled for 19th November 2024 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow, this event is an opportunity for all delegates to engage in crucial discussions that will shape the future of care across Scotland and beyond.
Event Overview:
The day will begin with registration and networking, providing a platform for attendees to connect with key stakeholders and explore the latest innovations from exhibitors. Alyson Scurfield, Chief Executive of TSA, will open the event with a presentation focused on empowering people’s lives through technology-enabled care.
Key Sessions and Topics:
Lived Experience Presentation: Gain insights from real-world experiences with technologyenabled care, highlighting the human impact of digital transformation in care services.
Keynote Presentation: A special keynote address, pending confirmation, will be delivered by a prominent figure, discussing the latest developments in health, housing and social care in Scotland.
Panel Debate: Engage with a panel of experts who will discuss the intersection of quality, innovation, and data strategy in shaping the future direction of co-ordinated health, housing and social care in Scotland.
Analogue to Digital Switchover: An update on the National Programme, outlining the progress and challenges of the switchover. The session will include the Scotland digital migration plan - including national ARC and data insights –driving better outcomes for people.
Attendees will participate in interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration and address key challenges in the care sector. These workshops will focus on topics such as workforce development, resilience, and the integration of AI and data strategies into care practices.
Exemplar Presentations: Hear from leaders both within and outside of Scotland, sharing successful case studies and innovative approaches to care, including insights into the national ARC and data-driven care strategies.
Networking and Exhibitions:
Interactive Group Discussions: The event will include time for attendees to work in groups, discussing development needs and accelerating progress.
Throughout the day, ample opportunities for networking and engaging with exhibitors will be available, allowing attendees to explore new technologies and solutions that can enhance care delivery at home.
Conclusion:
Workforce and Culture: Addressing the challenges and opportunities in workforce development and fostering a culture of innovation in care.
Data Strategy and AI: Exploring how data-driven insights and AI can be leveraged to improve care outcomes and operational efficiency.
Resilience and A2D: Discussing the critical role of resilience in the transition from analogue to digital care systems.
Collaborative, Co-ordinated Care @ Home is more than just an event—it is a call to action for all members of the care community in Scotland. This all-member event is designed to ensure everyone has a voice in shaping the future of care, with a focus on utilising partnerships and data to enhance lives. With the support of our sponsors, this event will provide the insights, connections, and strategies needed to drive meaningful change in the sector.
Join us on 19th November 2024 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, to collaborate, innovate, and lead the way in transforming care at home: https://www.tsa-voice.org.uk/events/collaborative-and-co/
