In the wake of the global pandemic, the demand for digital competence has surged to unprecedented levels. While this shift has created many affordances for the NHS - such as remote patient monitoring, e-prescriptions and uptake in virtual appointments - it has simultaneously created barriers for those lacking core digital skills.
In this blog, we sit down with Digital Health Champion, Rosanna Jones, to discuss the significant role of digital inclusion in the healthcare sphere and its life-altering impact on individuals and communities.
What exactly does being a Digital Health Champion entail?
As a relatively new role on the healthcare scene, we thought we’d start with the basics: finding out what on earth the impressive title ‘Digital Health Champion’ actually means!
“My role is to support access to and roll out of digital equipment to vulnerable individuals in Ealing. I work as part of an NHS charities project and support the coordination, development and promotion of the project within the trust,” Rosanna begins.
“My primary responsibility is to work with patients or clients to improve digital inclusion; that involves managing my own appointment caseload, promotion and outreach work, delivering one-to-ones and workshop-based interventions.”
What does ‘digital inclusion’ mean in the context of your role?
“It can be anything from guiding individuals through the process of using NHS online so that they feel confident booking a GP appointment, to equipping people with laptops, thereby eliminating the need for them to visit the local library for internet access.
“Our main goal is empowering people to get online, wherever they may be in their digital journey so that they have equal access to essential services.”
Overall, the digital inclusion initiatives are concerned with three key areas: providing digital skills hubs, increasing upskilling opportunities and improving accessibility.
What kinds of people do you typically work with/support?
“We work with a variety of clients from different walks of life to improve digital inclusion.”
Rosanna tells us her current project centres around people living with long-term health conditions, specifically dementia, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
She notes, "This is because there is often an overlap between this demographic and individuals who face digital exclusion."
“However, most digital inclusion officers or people working in digital inclusion initiatives will probably be working with the elderly or people from marginalised groups where access to resources is limited.”
Why is digital inclusion important?
“In a post-pandemic world, everything is online.
“Absolutely everything,” Rosanna emphasises.
“Most jobs, for example, require some level of digital competence - and then you have people who can’t even access housing benefits because they don’t have a computer, let alone the digital literacy to apply.”
Looking at the healthcare world, Rosanna reminds us that access to the internet and digital devices has become a prerequisite for obtaining essential health information, booking appointments, and managing prescriptions.
“My role as a Digital Health Champion ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, has access to these essential services.” she asserts.
What does the referral process look like?
On behalf of our readers, we asked Rosanna how healthcare professionals can help play their part in promoting digital inclusion.
“They should look to see if they have a digital inclusion project in their trust or a digital team.”
The digital ambassadors will then be able to provide their expertise; whether the patient needs a hand in navigating the NHS app, or guidance on attending a virtual appointment.
“For those who are looking to upskill or to get their own device, nurses can also do what’s called an onward referral.
“A good place to start is the National Digital Inclusion Network, which shows you the digital inclusion hubs in your local area.”
The hubs offer free digital support services drop-in sessions ordigital skills training.
What implications does digital inclusion have for the healthcare sector?
Rosa tells us that digital inclusion plays a significant role in helping patients become more independent and less reliant on already strained NHS services.
“For example, one patient I work with was struggling with their hearing due to incompatibility between their outdated phone and new Bluetooth-controlled hearing aids. By providing them with a new phone, they now have improved hearing and can independently manage their hearing aid.”
Do you see the future of healthcare as completely digital?
“No, because it would inadvertently exclude the people who need it the most.
“Although our mission is to bridge that gap, there are certain limitations on how much we can do. The most marginalised groups will always present the greatest challenge to reach. If healthcare were to transition entirely into the digital realm, these vulnerable populations would be at risk of being marginalised further.”
Most rewarding aspect of your role?
“I love that I get to work with so many different communities and hear all these unique life stories. But most of all, it’s the look of relief and excitement on their face as I hand them their new device.
“It serves as a stark reminder of just how life-altering something that you and I most likely take for granted everyday, can be. Especially for those who have never had access to a laptop or the internet before.”
How to donate
Have unused devices lying around at home? Why not consider donating them to support digital inclusion efforts?
Drop off your old iPhones, laptops and tablets in-store at any Vodafone store or send them via courier here. For large corporate donations, get in touch with the National Device Bank.
Looking for a new challenge in healthcare? Get in touch with the MCM team via email at info@mcmmedical.co.uk today and we’ll help find your next big opportunity!
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