Case for change
With a wealth of technologies to choose from, how does an occupational therapist go about making decisions about which ones to use and pilot in practice?
Read Claire and Jaimes collaborative leadership journey to find out how they did it (please refer to the Developing project management skills in procurement and delivery of technology-enabled care (TEC) in Adult Social Care (ASC) section).
About the innovators
Claire has worked in the field of technology for 14 years and has a passion for how smart technology solutions can support people. Her work involves developing innovative pilots to trial new technologies, this involves working closely with members of Dorset Council's Digital service teams.
Jaime is Digital and Change Business Partner. She loves working in a changing environment and now combines this with digital and data which has opened her eyes to the possibilities for Social Care in the future.
The mindset and skills that digital leaders need to have
Claire and Jaime both agree that a digital leader must be able to sell the vision and journey that they will be taking everyone on. In addition to this, they have to be creative, innovative, have strong networking skills, be able to collaborate and mobilise the workforce so that they are resilient to the changes that will be made now and in the future.
Collaborative working to develop data and project management skills for delivery of technology enabled care (TEC) in adult social care (ASC)
Claire works within a small specialist team of OTs whose time is dedicated to developing technology across the directorate. They work closely with the commissioning and project teams to ensure the delivery of a digital service across the county that can support care in an outcome-based and cost-effective way. The TEC team has an increased focus on aligning assistive technology provision with the Council’s transformation programmes.
Claire and Jaime have shared their improvement journey with RCOT, the CEO Matt Prosser of the council has commented by saying:
'As CEO of Dorset Council, I am always delighted to see colleagues committed to innovating, learning and sharing best practice – especially if technology is involved, making people’s lives better. Our vision is to make Dorset a great place to live, work and visit, and the TEC Team in our Adults & Housing Services are doing just this!'
'The starting point is a belief that if we do things differently, engage new technology we can make the lives of our residents/communities better, particularly when people are at their most vulnerable due to maybe illness of personal circumstance or just the impact of ageing. If we can use technology to help maintain people’s independence for longer this is a fantastic outcome…and if that use of technology has a positive impact on the overall budget of the council, then even better, but it is not the prime motivator'.
'Leadership in a digital age or digital leadership – whichever way you look at it is vitally important. As President (elect) of SOLACE, I am a huge supporter of digital innovation and leadership, for the good that it can bring to our residents via changes in working practice and the use of technology and digital solutions’.
Are you considering how to pilot a new technology? Share your ideas with the Innovation Hub who can offer support along your journey and share your learning with the wider membership.