TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Don’t Get Lost On Your Digital Journey

The next 12 months is going to see big changes in the residential care sector With around 50% of homes still using a paper system to plan and record care, The NHS Transformation Directorate have big ideas which whilst exciting are daunting to those without the proper tools to make these ideas a reality

So where to begin? Finding the right software provider might appear to be the ideal starting point Will the provider meet all your requirements within budget and customise the software to fit with your own processes? It s only once you have made this decision that your journey will really begin

There is little information and guidance out there on how to implement a new system into a residential care setting, where do you start? As with any journey you need a route plan unique to our customers and are committed to working together to provide the best service for them We understand that the care landscape is always changing and improving, whether via new processes or new technologies We keep up to date with what our sector needs to ensure we are providing the best and most cost effective service possible

Again, let’s ask: So where to begin? Now we know the answer Find a system provider who will share their experience and knowledge with you and get you to your final destination smoothly and safely

From implementing systems into homes for over 20 years we not only know how to help plan your journey, but we ll be there as your co-pilot too Every step of the way So jump on board and get ready to take off!

For further information on the Blyssful Cloud Care System visit www ablyss co uk

Getting Digitisation Right, Ever y Step Of The Way – Top Tips From The Access Group

Care providers across the UK are digitising their records and processes to free up time improve safety and care quality and even staff satisfaction

When selecting and implementing a piece of care software it is easy to be wowed and carried away by all the advanced features, the impressive analytics, the powerful automation and all the potential that unleashes

However, unleashing that potential requires successful selection, implementation and ongoing use of the system

Care providers often tell us that the involvement ‘buy-in’ and enthusiasm of staff across their care services was crucial to achieving this

Here are a few tips on what to do help you get this right at each stage of the process

SELECTING A SYSTEM:

People working in different roles can offer very different perspectives For example a care worker may spot potential flaws and issues or hidden benefits that might not be apparent to management until it is too late

Create a working group involving staff from different roles within your organisation especially those that will have day to day use of the system you are procuring

You don’t need to involve everyone of course, just at least one representative from each role in your service that will have direct contact with the system you are selecting

From these working groups, draw up a checklist of your must-haves and red flags from your new system It doesn’t need to be an overly complex or extensive piece of work that saps your time and causes delays You just need something that outlines:

What our key goals/objectives are – what we want to get out of using this piece of software

Any key functionality or features any system we choose must have

Any characteristics of a system that we feel would not be a good fit for us BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION:

Once you’ve chosen the right system it is crucial to communicate regularly and openly with everyone across your care services Make it clear why you are implementing this new system, which should come out of your list of goals and objectives

How will it benefit service users, your care service and staff themselves? How will it enable them to provide better care and make their jobs easier or less stressful?

Communication should be two way Be open to questions and concerns from staff Listen as they may have thought of a potential hurdle you haven t spotted yet Respond because often these concerns are shared by colleagues and addressing them properly will help people feel comfortable and confident about the change in ways of working

DURING IMPLEMENTATION

During the implementation of your software maintain the approach to communication outlined above You should also identify ‘champions’ people who are especially enthusiastic about the software and the change it brings Often it s best if champions are care workers especially when care workers are using the software directly

These champions should not only act as an advocate of the software to colleagues, but also as a person who can confidentially hear the concerns or challenges that people are having and work with management and/or the software supplier to address them

YOUR NEXT STEP:

If you want to learn more about the full range of care software available to you then we can help At The Access Group we provide a complete ecosystem of care management software with everything you need to improve efficiency safety and care quality in your services

Contact us for an informal conversation whenever you are ready

See the advert on the facing page for further details