Developing an assistive technology learning resource for mobile devices

Abstract

Policies indicate that Assisted Living Technologies form a key component in delivering health/social care given the UK's changing demographics and the decline in the economic climate. Government research funding for Assistive Technology (AT) remains strong. In December 2011, as part of the Life Sciences Strategy, David Cameron launched the 3MillionLives campaign to deliver Telehealth to three million people over the next five years. Evidence from the Whole System Demonstrators project, the world's largest RCT into Telecare and Telehealth, has underpinned this UK strategy. As a result the UK will be global leaders in delivering AT within health/social care. The emphasis on the use of technology has significant workforce development implications. Research by FAST UK, Skills for Care and Development and Skills for Health have identified the need for a trained workforce with technological knowledge, skills and competencies to achieve required standards. The potential market for AT related Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the workforce is vast and includes NHS, social care and 3rd sectors. Despite this burgeoning demand there are relatively few educational/CPD opportunities in this area. This poster presentation illustrates the process for the re-development of a web based Assistive Technology Learning Tool (ATLT) into an App for mobile devices. The ATLT was initially developed in 2008 and launched as a University commercial product in July 2009. It provided an interactive reflective online learning environment that offered customers the opportunity to gain an understanding of assistive technology (AT) using case based scenarios to explore a range of resources. These include videos, presentations, web pages and reading materials. The ATLT focused on electronic AT including telecare, telehealth, activity monitoring and environmental control. It provided a flexible, self-directed learning environment in six units. The case-based scenarios encouraged learners to adopt a person-centred approach using critical reflection to evidence their learning. The ATLT was evaluated very positively by customers including care support workers and practitioners across a range of professions and sectors. The development of the new ATLT is currently in progress with an anticipated launch date in September 2013. This new updated tool will comprise two versions. A free version, with case scenarios from across the world, will provide a global cultural specific experience for customers. A second low-cost UK version will extend the current number of case scenarios covering the life course with an emphasis on the relevant factors impacting on the public health agenda. The presentation will include the rationale for updating the tool and the key drivers that have influenced its re-development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC) is the property of Ubiquity Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)