Digitisation
which impacts resident outcomes), to staff performance and compliance rates. Leveraging this data allows for identifying areas for improvement, making informed decisions, and ultimately delivering better care.
To make this a reality, start by identifying the key insights that will drive change. What do you need to know to make better decisions? How can technology deepen your understanding of those you care for? Once these insights are clear, work closely with partners to customise digital tools to deliver them – whether it is through tailored dashboards, specific alerts, event forms, or integrated data sources that provide a comprehensive view.
The need for interoperability One of the biggest challenges in digital transformation is ensuring that different systems and technologies work together seamlessly. In the care sector, this is particularly important, given the wide range of data that needs to be collected, analysed, and reported on. To maximise the potential of digital
transformation, care homes must prioritise interoperability, selecting systems that can easily integrate with one another, allowing data to flow freely across different platforms. As the saying goes, ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’. When systems work together harmoniously, they can provide a comprehensive view of the organisation’s operations, enabling better decision-making and more effective management. Achieving interoperability is not without its challenges. It demands a commitment to open standards, a willingness to invest in compatible technologies, and a culture of collaboration both within and between organisations. However, the benefits of such an approach are undeniable. By prioritising interoperability, care organisations can ensure that their digital transformation efforts lead to a more connected, efficient, and patient-centred care system. Rhian Bulmer explains how an
interoperable approach better meets the needs of customers: “We have recently invested into our Application Programming Interface (API) adaptor to be able to collect data from external sources and create bidirectional data feed to ensure smooth integration with various healthcare systems, like Care Planning Software and Electronic Patient Record Systems … This seamless
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connectivity allows for a comprehensive view, offering insights into both operational performance and patient outcomes.”
Prioritising user experience While technology can offer immense benefits, its success depends on the people who use it. If a system is difficult to navigate or fails to meet the needs of its users, it will quickly be abandoned, regardless of its potential benefits. This is why user experience should be a top priority in any digital transformation initiative. An engaging and user-friendly interface
can dramatically reduce the learning curve associated with new technologies, encouraging widespread adoption and consistent use across the board. With multiple partners covering
the world of health and social care, it is important to learn from one another. By bringing different organisations together through user groups, roundtables, training academies, and community forums, best practice can be shared and implemented. This collaborative approach enables the identification of real-world challenges and preferences, ensuring that when the product is evolving, it is being done with users at the forefront.
Conclusion: the tech world is your oyster – but start with a plan The potential for digital transformation in the care sector is vast. With the right approach, technology can significantly improve care quality, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for both residents and staff. However, success depends not just on adopting technology, but on how it is implemented and utilised by everyone across the organisation. Care homes must begin their digital
transformation with a clear plan, achievable objectives, and a comprehensive, collaborative strategy about what they want to get out of it in the first place. By prioritising interoperability, focusing on user experience, and leveraging data for informed decision-making, they can ensure their efforts are both successful and sustainable.
Remember, success in digital
transformation is not a static achievement but a dynamic process that needs to be constantly reviewed and assessed against organisational goals and objectives. Ultimately, the world is indeed
your oyster when it comes to digital transformation. But like any great
endeavour, it requires strategic thinking and a commitment to continuous improvement. With these elements in place, organisations can unlock the full potential of technology and create a brighter future for all those they serve.
n Bibliography
Huber, G. P. Implementing new technology. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr. org/1985/11/implementing-new-technology. 1985 Felin, A., Purrington, A., & Spina, C. Increasing the odds of success in digital transformation. Boston Consulting Group.
https://www.bcg. com/publications/2020/increasing-odds-of- success-in-digital-transformation. 2020 Korolev, S. Digital transformation: How to get it right. MindK.
https://www.mindk.com/blog/ digital-transformation/ April 12. 2021
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson comes from a software background and is passionate about applying technology to solve business problems. He strongly believes that innovation and digital systems are the key to easing the pressures on healthcare, especially as they experience compliance, reputational, and commercial challenges which can have a direct impact on the quality of care itself. Radar Healthcare was founded in 2012 to help address these challenges and bring about much-needed automation and efficiencies and help improve the quality of care. Paul is actively engaged across a wide number of areas within the healthcare sector. He also volunteers for the NHS to support his local community and can be seen speaking at various events to champion the importance of technology.
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com October 2024
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