Agenda item

(To receive a report by Emma Scarth, Head of Business Intelligence and Performance, which comprises of a presentation on key Adult Care and Community Wellbeing Digital Roadmap Projects)

Consideration was given to a report and presentation on key Adult Care and Community Wellbeing (ACCW) Digital Roadmap Projects.  It was reported that the Digital Roadmap set out the vision for harnessing new ways of working and digital technology innovation over the next five years.  The roadmap had been produced with input from care users, Adult Care workforce, council members, and Information Management and Technology (IMT).  The roadmap focused on three key themes – Digital Citizen; Digital Workforce; and Digital Community.

Members were guided through a presentation which provided an update on each of the current Digital Roadmap projects within Adult Care and focused on the following areas:

·         AC&CW Digital Roadmap – Themes

·         Virtual Wallet and Marketplace

·         Better Care and Better Off

·         Connect to Support Lincolnshire (CTSL)

·         NHSMail for Care Providers

·         WHZAN Digital Health – technology support in care homes

·         Clinical Care Portal

·         Facebook Portals

·         Howz (pilot)

·         Armed (pilot)

·         Online Care and Support Assessment (Discovery Project)

Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers present in relation to the information contained within the presentation and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         400 new mobile devices had been distributed to adult care and public health frontline staff to assist their working during the pandemic period.

·         As a number of the projects were pilots, it was queried whether these projects would be rolled out, and what the next steps would be.  It was confirmed that about half of the projects were pilots, but learning from these would help LCC in the future commission of the Telecare contract and other services.

·         It was highlighted that the move to more digital services would be accessible to the majority of people, however, it was queried how it would be ensured that those people without access to broadband connections would not be left behind.  It was acknowledged that online services were not suitable for everyone and there was not a wish to transfer everyone to a solely digital route.  There should always be a face to face or paper based route.  It was noted that if people were able to access services themselves via digital routes, this would free up resources for the people who required more intensive face to face support.

·         Connectivity was an issue in the county, and there were teams within the County Council working with broadband providers to ensure there was coverage for the majority of the county.

·         It was noted that a lot of the products used in the projects were available 'off the shelf' where people could now access these products to help support themselves.

·         Members commented that these were fantastic projects, and were pleased that the authority was embracing innovative solutions.

·         It was queried whether any thought had been given to issuing the wearable technology (such as Armed) to people with dementia who were prone to wander and were living in a residential home.  It was noted that this technology was focused on falls, but devices did have GPS capabilities and so it could be seen how it may be beneficial.  However, there were ethical considerations to be taken into account, and the right processes would need to be followed.  It would be something to explore.

·         The WHZAN technology was largely focused around use in care homes, however, three kits had been deployed to independent living and sheltered accommodation.

·         It was commented that there was a fine line between monitoring and balance and it was queried how that balance was found.  Members were advised that where a service user had fluctuating capacity, a 'best interests' meeting would need to take place.  If the person had capacity it would be their decision about whether the technology would be useful.

RESOLVED

            That the Committee note the presentation and progress to date.