Digital apps and trusted websites can be a valuable source of information for people living with long-term conditions. This can empower people to be more informed and to take better control of their own health management, leading to better health outcomes. Digital technology, including newer technology like voice activation, can also support partners and family members in their caring roles.
From increasing take-up of breast cancer screening services to social prescribing for diabetes management, to supporting carers and people living with dementia - our NHS Widening Digital Participation pathfinders show how digital can make a positive difference in people’s lives - supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing. This can also help to reduce pressures on NHS services and make healthcare more convenient.
Below, you’ll find several ‘How to’ guides and evaluation reports from some of the pathfinder projects - designed to share learning and support you to adapt these approaches in your area.
Guides
Guides
How to Guide - How to use digital to help those with dementia
How to Guide - Socially prescribing digital skills
How to Guide for Elderly Isolated People
How to Guide for People in Assisted Living Schemes
Using digital in supporting people with cancer (2020)
Using Facebook to improve attendance at screening Appointments (2018)
Using Closed Facebook Groups for People with Long Term Conditions (2018)
Reports
Report for Sunderland: Elderly Isolated People
Lessons learned from Nottingham - supporting people through their cancer journey (2020)
Lessons learned from Portsmouth - diabetes in care homes
Case Studies
Birds of a Feather Dementia Cafe
Dennis: An iPad is giving us our lives back
Diane: Our friend Alexa has changed our lives
Case studies from Sunderland: Elderly Isolated People
Case studies from Thanet: Assisted Living Schemes
Further reading
Further guides:
Helping Older People Use the Internet (with Centre for Ageing Better)
Digital Inclusion with Older People (with Talk Talk)
Further reports:
New Approaches to supporting people in later life (with Centre for Ageing Better)