Uplift in digital skills
Delivery of the project focused as much on skills as it did on software. With colleagues in care homes previously having very limited digital access and rarely using digital devices, Hafod knew that strengthening this skillset was critical to the success of the project.
To establish a baseline of digital skills in Hafod’s care homes, a survey was carried out amongst colleagues, with 29% of colleagues reporting feeling ‘very confident’ in using digital tools at work, while only 30% said they felt ‘somewhat confident’.
This feedback gave Hafod a baseline from which they tailored their device plan and implementation schedule, developing a programme of work dedicated to digital skills.
A device trial took place to establish what was most practical for colleagues. With many care home colleagues constantly on their feet as they care for residents, and not sat at a desk, it became clear that mobile devices such as phones and tablets were preferable.
The project team took a home-by-home approach and arranged face-to-face training sessions in the lead up to system implementation. They established Hafod’s ‘Digital Heroes’, a group of colleagues from across the business who give their time to share their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm of digital technology.
During the project over 360 colleagues attended digital skills sessions, and the implementation partner also delivered bespoke system training via 60 face-to-face training sessions and 30 online sessions. The digital skills support has fostered improved digital skills among colleagues, boosting confidence with digital tools by about 15%.
Support for colleagues remained post-implementation; Hafod’s dedicated project team continued to base themselves at the care home for the week following Care Plan System implementation, and a further six weeks of support was provided through online drop-in sessions. Care colleagues still regularly liaise with the Digital Heroes and each care home now benefits from 24/7 support with the system supplier.