When service users have vastly different requirements, a one-size-fits-all approach falls short.
This diversity may come from ...
- Differences in environment such as an apartment vs bungalow vs a multi-story dwelling
- Co-morbidities
- Physical or cognitive disabilities
- Behavioural characteristics
- Age
- Gender
- Ethnicity
This diversity of needs calls for personalised solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.
The Andi solution provides multiple capabilities that enable personalisation.
- Andi’s interoperable technology allows care providers to mix-and-match peripherals from various manufacturers using a variety of wireless connectivity.
- Andi’s unique rule-based decision support system converts the personalised and relevant data into actionable insights.
- Andi ensures the relevant carers whether these are family/friends or residential carers and paid or unpaid are alerted depending upon the insight.
Innovation for Personalised Care
The Health Innovation Network described the “multiplier effect of diversity” as innovation. And in digital social and health care, we know that innovation is the catalyst that propels us forward, enabling us to provide better patient outcomes and drive progress. At the heart of successful innovation lies diversity – diversity of thought, perspectives, needs and experiences and that is why interoperability is such a vital principal within social and healthcare.
Whether it's smart sensors for independent living, wearables for long-term condition management, or environmental controls for accessibility, Andi seamlessly integrates a wide range of devices and technologies. This flexibility ensures our solutions cater to the diverse abilities, conditions, and circumstances found across our service user population.
Inclusivity: The Core Capability
Interoperability isn't just about customisation; it's also about ensuring our solutions are inclusive and accessible to all service users. As The King's Fund notes, "27 per cent of people in England have the lowest digital capability" lacking access or skills. By embracing an interoperable approach, we can create solutions that are similar and more accessible regardless of digital literacy. For example, consider an elderly service user, Mrs. Jones, who has mobility issues and struggles with using technology. Through an interoperable system like Andi, her care provider can tailor a solution that doesn't rely solely on digital devices or complicated interfaces.
Instead of a smartphone app, Mrs. Jones could have a simple, voice-activated smart speaker integrated into her care plan. This device would allow her to easily call for assistance, set reminders for medication, or even control certain aspects of her home environment, like lighting or temperature, through voice commands.
Additionally, Andi's interoperability means other peripherals, such as fall sensors or smoke alarms, can be seamlessly incorporated into Mrs. Jones' care plan. These devices will be already set up for her and don't require any digital literacy and can provide added safety and peace of mind.
By mixing and matching different technologies, both digital and analogue, care providers can create a solution that is accessible and intuitive for Mrs. Jones, despite her limited digital skills. The interoperable nature of Andi ensures that her care plan can be tailored to her specific needs and abilities, without excluding her due to a lack of technological proficiency.
Care tech solution innovators should be researching extensively and co-producing with service users, with diverse backgrounds and experiences in throughout the design process. This allows for the creation of inclusive, accessible solutions that meet the needs of a wide range of users.
Putting Service User Needs First
The social and health care industry serves a richly diverse population with varied needs. As highlighted in a report by The King's Fund, "Digital exclusion in health and care often overlaps with other forms of social exclusion and disadvantage." So we know that it's crucial that our technology enabled care solutions reflect this diversity. Andi's interoperability ensures our solutions mirror the unique challenges and requirements of different service user groups.
This deep understanding allows us to develop culturally competent, relevant digital solutions that improve engagement, trust, and outcomes. Interoperability empowers us to put service user needs first, before considering technology.
Upcoming Webinar: Diversifying TEC for the Future
At 2iC-Care, we are committed to delivering personalised, technology enabled care solutions that cater to diverse service user needs. Join our upcoming webinar, "Diversifying Technology Enabled Care for the Future," on June 11th at 1:30pm.
This interactive session will explore interoperability's pivotal role in delivering tailored care. We'll discuss strategies for leveraging interoperable systems like Andi to build inclusive, person-centred services that address every individual's unique requirements. This webinar will explore the importance of delivering technology enabled care solutions that cater to diverse service user needs across different care settings. As well as provide strategies towards building an inclusive, person-centred service whilst achieving better care outcomes for now and into the future.
The panellists include Claire Collett, Technology Enabled Care Occupational Therapist Lead for Somerset Council who has experience in prescribing assistive tech to support people's full potential, and Mark Smith, Business Development Director at 2iC-Care, bringing expertise in the implementation of tech-enabled care services.
Debra Edwards, a co-production champion and resident, will provide insights from the service user's perspective on using technology to meet diverse needs and give people a voice.
Interoperability empowers innovation and personalisation in social and healthcare. Be part of this journey towards accessible, equitable care tailored to diverse needs.
Register for the webinar here!