ELFT is carrying out a survey amongst adult service users to understand their access to digital devices and their preferences of using digital services in their healthcare.
The Trust is contacting approx. 40k service users across all ELFT regions who have received services from the Trust in the last three months to gain feedback on the use of technology in their care.
Collaboration to Co-produce
The Trust has collaborated with City University, London and service users from the People Participation Digital Community to co-produce the survey. The survey will be sent by post or by email where we have an email address for the individual.
Digital is a way of life for many, where the majority of the adult and working population digitally connect socially and transact with private and public sector institutions.
Saleem Haider, Digital People Participation Lead says, "The pandemic forced healthcare services to accelerate its digital capabilities and to reach service users. As we emerge from the restrictions and plan for the future, we need to hear from our service users on their ability to access devices, and understand their behaviours and preferences towards a digital approach in their care or not. We know digital exclusion is an issue and as a Trust we have a responsibility to understand the scale of this, learn about the issues and where the greatest needs exist for the people who are at risk of being marginalised ”.
Your Views Not Personal Information
The survey does not collect personal information, or ask for any information relating to the individual's care plan. Using digital in patient care will be personal choice which is available for people who are digitally ready. It is equally important to hear from people who are not ready of willing to use digital.
The Trust is also keen raise the awareness of the digital approach and to reduce the use of paper and lower the carbon footprint caused by postage.
Technology is Growing in all Aspects of our Lives
With many people now using online banking, online shopping sites and staying in touch with family and friends using technology, it will be interesting to see if some are keen to manage their health care in this way too. Or would rather stay with more traditional ways to receive health services.