Glossary
AI refers to technological systems created to learn and solve problems in a human like way. To do so, AI systems are trained on large amounts of data and information. They learn how to identify patterns, and this means that they can carry out many different tasks like having conversations that sound human-like.
A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all health and social care services in England. The commission ensures the quality and safety of care in hospitals, dentists, ambulances, and care homes, and the care given in people’s own homes.
Source: Gov.uk
The activity required to protect an organisation's computers, networks, programmes, and data from unintended or unauthorised access, change or destruction via the internet or other communications systems or technologies.
Source: NHS England
The Data Security and Protection Toolkit is an online self-assessment tool that allows organisations to measure their performance against the National Data Guardian’s 10 data security standards.
All organisations that have access to NHS patient data and systems must use this toolkit to provide assurance that they are practising good data security and that personal information is handled correctly. This system is subject to ongoing development.
Source: DSPT Toolkit
Provides free advice and support to the adult social care sector on technology, data protection and cyber security.
Source: Digital Care Hub
Digital champions are individuals who work in the adult social care sector, who support and empower staff to use digital tools more effectively themselves and have increased confidence, understanding and motivation.
Source: Skills for Care
An overarching term which encompasses a broad range of digital, technical and data systems. The broad range of people who work in this space are sometimes referred to as being in the DDaT profession, and having DDAT roles in their organisation.
A role that influences and implements digitally-enabled projects at an organisational level - this could be in a clinical role, a non-clinical role, a digital expert role or a combination.
Digital maturity refers to an organisation's ability to respond to changes and trends in technology. It can also be viewed as an organisation's 'state of readiness' to be able to adapt to, and integrate with, these technologies.
This is technology that allows digital recording of care information and care received by an individual, within a social care setting, replacing traditional paper records.
Source: NHS Transformation Directorate
The Digital Skills Framework is a free resource to help support the development of digital skills across the adult social care workforce.
The framework defines seven key areas of effective digital working, organised in two ‘levels’: ‘digital skills for all staff’, and ‘go further’ with digital skills. It can be used by social care employers to help with planning staff training or by individuals for their personal development.
Source: Skills for Care
The process of using technology to create new or modify existing ways of working. In the context of adult social care, digital transformation is the process of implementing technology to improve people’s care outcomes and experiences
The Digitising Social Care programme is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and is delivered by a joint unit of DHSC and NHS England staff. It aims to transform adult social care through digital innovation
Source: DiSC
The delivery of educational content through digital devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. Unlike traditional learning methods, eLearning enables individuals to access courses anytime, anywhere, making it a flexible and efficient approach to learning.
A digital alternative to paper-based MAR charts.
Source: CQC
UK GDPR is the law that determines how your personal data is processed, kept safe and the legal rights that you have in relation to your own data.
Source: NHS England
A portable piece of technology which can connect to the internet e.g. smart phones and tablets
A national service for managing reference information about organisations that are involved in health and social care in England and beyond.
ODS holds and publishes unique identification codes and accompanying reference data for organisations and their sites across health and social care. It covers a wide variety of NHS and non-NHS organisations
Source: NHS England
Being person-centred is about focusing care on the needs of individual. Ensuring that people's preferences, needs and values guide clinical decisions, and providing care that is respectful of and responsive to them.
Health and wellbeing outcomes need to be co-produced by individuals and members of the workforce working in partnership, with evidence suggesting that this provides better patient outcomes and costs less to health and care systems.
Source: NHS England
The What Good Looks Like (WGLL) programme draws on local learning. It builds on established good practice to provide clear guidance for health and care leaders to digitise, connect and transform services safely and securely. This will improve the outcomes, experience and safety of our citizens.
Source: NHS Transformation Directorate