Care Show London review
Harnessing data Next to the stage was James Maynard, product marketing director in the Access Health, Support and Care division at ACCESS UK, who discussed Enabling dynamic and digital care delivery. James spoke about the power and value of data and how providers can best harness it, claiming that: “Fifty-two per cent of organisations don’t have the knowledge or capability to truly optimise and utilise the data that they have as an organisation.” The key, James said, is to collate data from various sources into one single, common data model, where providers can successfully analyse their data and gather actionable, valuable insights that will have tangible value for their business. “Data is the most valuable asset you have as businesses,” he said. “But first of all, you need to understand what you have and where it’s stored … Once you can understand it, then you can begin to derive value from it.”
When it comes to gaining such insight, artificial intelligence has its role to play, although James was keen to sound a note of caution about the use of AI in the care sector and the possible risks that might accompany letting AI loose on such confidential and sensitive data. In fact, the hot topic of AI came up again and again across various keynotes at the show. Carefully considering security, access, and permissions is key, according to James, and he stressed the need for all interested parties to engage with ongoing working groups around the deployment of AI in the care sector: “We need to make sure there are guidance and guidelines in place so that everybody can use [AI] safely and securely,” he said.
An existing building might be perfectly fit for purpose, given the correct redesign and refurbishment
The aim, when it comes to harnessing
the power of data, is ultimately to “improve outcomes by giving care providers and careers more time to do what they’re there to do.”
An insight into neurodiversity By far the most interesting (and best attended) keynote of the first day was to be found once again at the Care Keynote Theatre, where well-known broadcaster & TV personality Christine McGuinness chatted to BBC presenter Nick Bright
about her personal experience of being neurodiverse. A couple of years ago, when she was in her early thirties, Christine was diagnosed with both autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and her three children were also diagnosed autistic. Since her diagnosis, Christine has become an advocate for autism and ADHD awareness, and she spoke powerfully about the pros and cons of being diagnosed as an adult, and how her diagnosis has made her reflect on her life and wonder about the role played in it – unbeknownst to her at the time – by her autism. “Getting the diagnosis changed my life more than I ever thought it would,” Christine told Nick. “It made me unpick an awful lot … suddenly you’re looking back at all of these things that have happened, and you’re wondering would it have been different if I had been diagnosed earlier? I left education early and that’s something that I wonder – if I was diagnosed then, would I have finished education?” The insight that has come from finally being diagnosed has been, said Christine, “a massive, massive positive for me.” She gave the example of, pre-diagnosis, always ducking out of social events, not knowing why she felt so uncomfortable and overwhelmed, how her autism diagnosis gave her an explanation for these feelings, and how she is now able to attend such events but on terms that suit her needs – such as removing herself to a quiet space as and when she needs to. When it comes to events such as social occasions, Christine gave an insight into how some autistic people cope: “I’m a pro masker,” she revealed. “It’s something that a lot of autistic women tend to do – pretending and acting like you’re more
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com June 2024
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