Introduction

Welcome to 23 Things for Technology Enabled Care. In this activity, you will begin to learn what ‘Technology Enabled Care’ means and to think about how you might apply this to your role. Once you have completed the learning activities, you can apply for an open badge to show others what you have learned.

MyLearning badge information

MyLearning Badge: SSSC 23 Things TEC – Thing 1: What is technology enabled care?

Counts toward the Introduction to TEC milestone badge.

What is Technology Enabled Care?

Technology Enabled Care is defined as “where outcomes for individuals in home or community settings are improved through the application of technology as an integral part of quality, cost effective care and support”. Technology has become an integral part of care and support, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2020. Nearly all people receiving care and support will use some form of technology, such as mobile devices to keep in contact with loved ones or using video technology for medical consultations. The Scottish Government set up TEC Scotland, which is a website that has information and resources about Technology Enabled Care. We recommend that you look at this to help you understand how TEC is being developed in the social care and health sectors.

Learning activity 1

We have created an interactive graphic of a flat that has had some technology installed to help the person living there to live more independently. If you click on the blue buttons, an information box will appear on the left of the graphic that gives you information about the devices.

You can see that some of the devices like the iPad/tablet are used much more widely than just for care, while others are more specialised. Some, such as the community alarm, may be provided after an assessment carried out by health and care workers.

While you are exploring all the devices in the graphic, please think about how these could help people who you are supporting and take some notes about this.

A fullscreen, mobile-compatible version can be accessed here.

Now create a blog post to tell us at least THREE important points that you learned about Technology Enabled Care and why they are important. If you have not created a blog post before, don’t worry, you can find out more about how to do it using this link to ’23 Things Digital’ Activity 1 Blogging

As more and more technology becomes available, it can be tempting to focus on how this can be used. However we must always remember that this has to be done using social care values such as person-centred care, choice and dignity. Technology should only be used when it will enhance care and support.

Learning activity 2

Using the notes you have taken while exploring the interactive graphic above, choose THREE devices that could relate to your own role. Try to identify how they might be used to enhance that care and support of individuals to promote their wellbeing. For example, would someone you support benefit from some of the technology described in the graphic to be more independent? Add your examples to your blog post, remembering to make sure you make them anonymous to protect the confidentiality of the people you are supporting.

You will need to provide a link to your blog post in your application for the MyLearning badge linked to this Thing.