Knock Knock – Who’s There? Getting a Foot in the Digital Front Door

Digital health care can unlock more self-care options for citizens, but let’s not leave anyone out in the cold.

Digital

Definition: Using or relating to digital signals and computer technology.
There’s been a big change in how we do lots of things using digital technology. The last few years has seen a big jump in people’s use of digital technology – especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For ordinary things in daily life – shopping, bank transactions, music, staying in touch – using technology is a norm for many. But, how are we using digital resources for our health and well-being? And who is ‘digitally included’ or not? And how do we support people living with long-term conditions to navigate this new landscape?

The Scottish Government is committed to a long-term plan to deliver transformational changes in digital health and social care services. The ambition is to create more ways for us to use digital technology to help us look after our health. There’s a desire to give people more control and choice in using digital health and social care services – from smart phones, laptops or iPads. And there is already a lot of progress in this field – making medical appointments; ordering repeat prescriptions and clinical video consultations have all significantly increased in their use.

But not everyone can or will choose digital health care. There are challenges  to face – inclusion, awareness and accessibility. There needs to be a focus on how to avoid creating a digital health inequality. We need to recognise that not all citizens can make informed decisions about digital health solutions. Some ‘don’t know what they don’t know’; others don’t have the resources to invest in digital healthcare solutions. For example, someone living with a long-term condition, in poverty, from an ethnic minority background will face many barriers to accessing services digitally. The strategic priority is well placed but needs to continually be informed by a broad cross section of citizens.

At the ALLIANCE, the Digital Hub team works to ensure that Digital Citizen Panel (DCP) members are equal partners in the development of the Scottish Government’s Digital Health and Social Care Strategy. The panel has just under 100 members across Scotland. They share their experiences using digital technology for their health needs and/or for those who they care for or serve. They’ve been a key contributor to the Strategy and continue to influence the direction of travel while Scotland pioneers new ways to offer new digital healthcare solutions. But the really important part is that our DCP members hear about what changes to the Strategy they’ve contributed to and what will be done differently as a result of their input.

In a recent survey, DCP members rated digital inclusion as a high priority. They express that many people are unaware of or are unwilling to use digital technology to support their health. Some DCP members support communities where deprivation, poor network coverage or a disability are issues that can seem insurmountable.  Digital inclusion looks like a far off prospect for some of the people the voluntary sector serves. So how do we ensure that people can get ‘a foot in that digital front door’?

Some of the work at the ALLIANCE focuses on engaging with people to raise digital awareness and confidence to use technology. Our DCP members are enthusiastic about inviting the Digital Hub team to their local communities to run sessions and talks. We’re taking booking for a number of Discover Digital roadshows/workshops that will bring free sessions to local venues for local people.

We also support communities to know where and what their local digital assets are. Our team’s ALISS project (A Local Information System for Scotland) is an innovative platform that lists organisations and activities to support wellbeing. Community hubs, libraries and faith organisations are all excellent venue choices for making digital resources more accessible and close to where people live, and many are listed on ALISS.

Lastly, there’s the concept of choice. Choice needs to come from a place of making decisions that are informed. And choosing non-digital preferences should not affect the quality of care someone receives. Our Digital Human Rights principles promotes the idea of digital choice or not – without the consequence of care being affected.

Our advance on the path of using digital options for our health and wellbeing is strong. It’s now up to all of us to help create the right environment for anyone who wants and needs to open that ‘digital front door’. Or not.

Call to Action

If you are interested in hearing more about the Digital Citizen Panel or in bringing digital awareness activities to your community get in touch with the ALLIANCE Digital Network Officer, Gozie:

Email:             Chigozie.joeadigwe@alliance-scotland.org.uk

Mobile:           07485 377 769

Landline:        0141 404 0231

Address:        The Health And Social Care Alliance, Venlaw Building, 349 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4AA

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