The health and care requirements of our population are constantly changing, and we are now much more in need of care provision that supports chronic conditions, rather than focusing on infectious diseases.
Professionals may find it challenging to keep up with the changing needs of citizens and communities, and continue to deliver personalised care that meets the needs of every individual using services. It’s important that local authorities consider their role in communicating with health, housing and social care professionals, and encourage education and development initiatives within these sectors. This will equip the workforce with the tools they need to meet the changing demands of our population and provide improved outcomes for future generations. The benefit of developing talent
Health, housing and social care professionals require support if they are to continue to develop themselves, their teams and services. There are significant benefits that will be seen across the board if investment is put into the education of the workforce, particularly if local authorities are involved.
People are the greatest asset of any organisation, and investment in their career development and mental and physical wellbeing can help them to flourish in their role. An educated and informed workforce will help to deliver change and meet the evolving needs of our population, while at the same time improving the working lives and motivation of colleagues.
Career development programmes supported by local authorities can play a role in developing the leaders of the future, and provide additional training that may not traditionally be available. This in turn presents the opportunity for local authorities to embed new approaches and incite cultural change.
Effective training can also support professionals in becoming more equipped to listen to citizens and communities, and understand their everyday needs. If local authorities lead the way in promoting the benefits of education and training we will be able to provide more personalised and proactive services.
Educating people on the value of technology
It’s important for local authorities and health, housing and social care professionals to consider how technology enabled care services (TECS) can support care delivery. Providing education in digital technology will not only benefit frontline workers, but also upskill and engage local authorities.
This in turn will create digital champions that empower others to understand the value of technology in health and care provision. The education of professionals within these sectors is crucial in enabling a cultural shift so that staff understand the value and use of technology, and how it can support them in effective caregiving, as well as improving the quality of life of the people being cared for.
Digital solutions not only improve outcomes but enable the workforce to deliver care more efficiently, have improved access to information, and be better placed to reassure and provide the right support at the right time and focus on prevention. Education when combined with technology can also improve understanding around the value of data, enable more creative thinking with how it’s used, and encourage confidence in communicating with citizens why data sharing is important.
Collaboration
Collaboration is facilitated by professionals coming together to share their knowledge, skills and ideas which can contribute to bridging the gaps between health, housing and social care services.
Collaborative approaches can support professionals in the delivery of proactive and predictive care solutions that meet the needs of vulnerable people. By educating professionals on the value of communication, collaboration and co-production, we can create citizen-led solutions and services that promote better lives and a better future.
Education initiatives can support improved collaboration by equipping the workforce with the tools they need to understand how to break down barriers that exist between services. Local authorities have a key role to play in developing a workforce that sees technology and collaboration as enablers to support and not to replace them. The new kinds of leadership that can be developed through the proper training will support local authorities in driving change and tightening up governance from within health and care services.
A greater focus on effective training that supports ongoing skills development will contribute to a positive transformation of our health, housing and social care systems that become better able to consider the requirements of both our population and the professionals working in these sectors.
Andy Hart is head of technical delivery and support at Tunstall Healthcare
