All Some Few
A . I . Working with data experts
Data analysis System configuration Terminology use across locality
Standardised assessments Standardised templates Adhering to information protocols Standardised terminology
Above : Image one : Tiered Approach to Engagement , RCOT Data and Innovation Strategy ( 2021 )
Although the digital competencies are mapped by the NHS Agenda for Change ( AfC ) structure , they can also be reviewed in the context of level of career development and specifically to an individual ’ s role and wider experience . Therefore , making them relevant across non-NHS settings too .
There is good correlation between these frameworks and the tiered approach to engagement ( see image one ) from the RCOT Data and Innovation Strategy , and this will be described in more detail in future resources .
It is hoped that this work will support individuals to reflect on the focus of their current work and their current skill and confidence levels and aid them in moving towards their ambitions for development and attainment in this arena , be that related to a specific project or general practice .
Increasing engagement over time
Attainment of these competencies and progression with data and innovation has many benefits for people who access our services as well as for us in terms of work satisfaction , career progression and confidence .
To achieve this , it needs consideration alongside other CPD objectives as part of rounded career development .
It will take some time for these competencies and objectives to be fully integrated into education , development plans and for the terminology to become common place , but pockets of brilliant innovation and usage of data already exist .
The most powerful things we can do at this time to progress our confidence and competence in this area is to reflect on our individual learning needs , and to share , to listen and to ask . We are not in this alone and a supportive network exists already and by working together we can optimise our care of people who access services whilst enhancing the experience of our workforce .
It is important is that we collectively have the knowledge and skills to fully engage in our work , provide the best standard of service that we can and continue to consider what we can do differently to meet the ever-growing demands placed upon us . And that is the responsibility of all those working within occupational therapy to address .
Health Education England ( 2020 ) Development of a digital competency framework for UK allied health professionals . Available at : https :// bit . ly / 3TnDVKA [ accessed : 2 September 2022 ].
Tack C , Holdsworth L , Wilson A , McComiskie E , McCabeP , Wilkinson W , King M ( 2022 ) Digital competency : a survey of UK allied health professionals . British Journal of Healthcare Management , 28 ( 8 ). DOI : https :// doi . org / 10.12968 / bjhc . 2021.0123 .
Future work to look out for
In the spirit of sharing and learning from each other , we will be producing a series of leadership journeys to showcase the skills and successes of our peers , mapping this to the frameworks and the RCOT strategy .
We are also aiming to provide an outline of first steps for those wishing to replicate similar work in their context .
Further detail on the mapping between the strategy and the frameworks will be shared shortly . And keep an eye out for some exciting webinar events early in 2023 .
Words SHARON CAMPANA , Expert Topic Lead for Data and Innovation and Allied Health Information Officer at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children .
38 OTnews November 2022