TAPPI inquiry launches its findings on digital inequalities
Inspired by the HAPPI design principles , the Technology for our Ageing Population : Panel for Innovation ( TAPPI ) launched its inquiry findings and recommendations on 26 October .
The virtual launch set out the importance of a person-centred approach to reduce digital inequalities and the ways to deliver more digitally integrated technology-enabled care and housing . The TAPPI inquiry and phase one report scoped out the need for a transformational ‘ framework ’ that outlines how technology can improve the lives of our ageing population and the barriers that prevent its adoption in housing .
Chaired by the former director of the National Innovation Centre for Ageing , Professor Roy Sandbach OBE , the panel included senior figures from the housing , care , design and technical sector .
Susan Kay , chief executive of Dunhill Medical Trust , commented : ‘ Our experiences of the last 18 months have accelerated the changes that were already being made in how we as a society use technology to communicate , connect and experience health and care support . But we need to make sure that we don ’ t leave behind a whole generation of people who could really benefit and create yet another source of social inequality .’
Key findings include how the COVID-19 pandemic has further embedded the use of technology into the lives of many but that it has also exacerbated the digital divide . With time running out before the analogue to digital switchover in 2025 , Professor Sandbach emphasised that the last 18 months have shown just how important it is for older and vulnerable people to live in a home that makes them comfortable and content .
RCOT professional adviser Lauren Walker gave evidence to the TAPPI Inquiry . She said : ‘ RCOT was pleased to provide evidence , and we have seen that there are already examples of excellent , innovative practices in this area .
‘ The report highlights the increased role that occupational therapists can play in working with technology providers and identifying personalised technological solutions that enable people to achieve their goals .
‘ Occupational therapists should consider what role technology plays in their practice currently , and what opportunities they have to support the recommendations of the TAPPI report .’
The second phase of the inquiry will focus on creating a suitable framework that builds on these principles to provide a practical foundation for technology innovation in housing and care . The aim will be to build an evidence base that shows how preventative technologies and digital infrastructure are both costeffective and enabling for the ageing population to live healthy and independent lives .
# OTalk celebrates a decade of milestones on its 10th birthday
The dedicated weekly twitter forum # OTalk celebrated its 10th birthday last month , and it is calling on the Twitter community of past and present members to help celebrate its collected success over the last decade .
The team celebrated with a relaxed chat reflecting on # OTalk ’ s impact , growth , lightbulb moments and milestones achieved over the last 10 years .
The first ever chat was in October 2011 , when # OTalk launched on World Occupational Therapy Day with a chat on professional identity within the profession , while one of the most recent Twitter chats – ‘ Launch a conversation ’ – was hosted by new RCOT chief executive Steve Ford , as part of his # TalkTo Steve project .
The team celebrated by asking the community to bring their own cake and also championed the launch of their upcoming new website and logo .
Founding # OTalk team member Helen Rushton said it was ‘ wonderful ’ to take the time away from the usual chat to celebrate # OTalk : ‘ The vibrant and supportive community that has developed across the 10 years , # OTalk would not be possible without the energy and commitment of chat hosts and the occupational therapy community .
‘ We are so grateful for everyone ’ s involvement , which has helped to build such a valuable platform that enables us to network , share , debate and learn on such a wide range of topics relevant to our profession ’.
# OTalk takes place each Tuesday at 8pm . Details on weekly topics and information on how to participate , or volunteer to host a chat , can be found on the # OTalk website : www . otalk . co . uk .
© SurfUpVector via Getty Images
6 OTnews November 2021