Domain Domain 1 Domain 2
Domain 3 Domain 4 Domain 5
Domain 6
Topic General
Data management and clinical informatics
Records , assessments , and plans Transfer of care
Medicines management and optimisation
Orders and results management
Domain 7 Assets and resource optimisation : Business related
Domain 7b Assets and resource optimisation : Personal
Domain 8 Domain 9 Domain 10
Decision support Digital therapeutics Meta-competencies
Above : Diagram one : HEE AHP Digital Competency Framework ( 2020 )
digital skills and knowledge required in practice is vast .
‘ That means that most , if not all , of the HEE AHP Digital Competency Framework is applicable to occupational therapists from the newly graduated to those in positions of leadership or advanced practice .
‘ Despite this varied scope , the priorities for professional development remain reflective of those of the wider UK AHP population . These priorities should focus on the progression of digital and informatics leadership skills , and the advancement of knowledge related to the development and use of the electronic health record as a mechanism to enhance quality of care .’
Bringing the frameworks together
Helpfully , the HEE competencies have been documented specifically for application by occupational therapists in a Profession Specific Framework ( accessible via the main framework document ).
Mapping of this specific framework to the RCOT Career Development Framework has revealed some helpful correlation , particularly when they are reviewed in the context of the RCOT Data and Innovation Strategy .
To date , this mapping has reinforced the need to really evaluate what is needed by individuals and teams at that point in time , be it in its entirety or in order of relevance for each separate domain .
My digital journey as an occupational therapist
As an occupational therapist , I have continuously been drawn to innovation , not always with a digital component , but always with the view to delivering better care and to improving job satisfaction .
As I ’ m sure is true for many , digital technology has played a constant role throughout my career to varying degrees , be it in the form of Electronic Patient Records ( EPR ) or patient administration systems , emails , or databases .
Data collection in the form of assessments or audits was always present too , but was never at the forefront of my mind . Without realising , I was acquiring a range of digital competencies alongside my ocupational therapy skills .
On reflection , I would have described myself in the ‘ All ’ tier of engagement ( image one ) at this stage . The biggest turning point in my career was becoming involved in the procurement of an EPR system . Taking me way outside of my comfort zone , it also allowed me to make good use of some of my core occupational therapy skills – problem solving , activity analysis and creativity .
It required rapid development of new digital and data skills to understand what was possible , with the view to a creating a rich source of data about both our population and our pathway , which in turn is key for shaping future improvements and innovations . This was the beginning of a transition into the ‘ Some ’ tier . I moved into a full-time digital role in 2017 , as a Senior Configurational Analyst within our EPR team . This was the beginning of my journey into data leadership (‘ Few ’ tier ) and provided great challenge , both in terms of my digital skills , but also a breadth of skills for change and project management .
I learnt my biggest lesson here – the most important part of digital transformation is engagement of people .
I have been working as an Allied Health Information Officer since September 2019 , with the aim of enhancing the links between our needs as professionals , the needs of our populations and the vast possibilities with digital and data .
© insta _ photos via Getty Images
November 2022 OTnews 37