The national body are looking to shift the focus from devices and equipment to the impact it has on individuals’ lives.
The latest government statistics show 1.8 million people in the UK currently use telecare services. For example, one story that we reported on earlier today, shows how technology helped bring a mother and daughter from Devon closer together. The fact that the care sector is becoming more digital isn’t news, however the challenges some people face when trying to use such technologies is.
With this in mind, the TSA – the national body for the technology enabled care (TEC) sector – have launched a campaign called the ‘Everyday TEC’. The decision was prompted after a study – which was published last year by social policy researcher Dr Sarah Alden – found a vast number of patients, families and unpaid carers struggle to understand TEC and some aren’t even aware it exists.
Some of the most common problems discovered were that it is too centred on complex language and imagery. Therefore, Dr Alden’s research is calling for simple messaging to help people understand care technology better and navigate the options that come with using it.
This is exactly what the TSA campaign focuses on. Simply, the initiative comes with three core messages which include, TEC keeps people: In Control, In Touch, Safe and Well.
The scheme is comprised of a range of free-to-use, downloadable resources all detailing how technology can help improve care patients’ quality of life. They include a video – which can be found at the top of this article – poster, roll-banner, social media cards and short clips.
What’s more, TSA have also developed a language guide to encourage the use of simple, common vocabulary across the sector.
‘We want to change the narrative around technology enabled care and show how our sector supports people to thrive, not just survive,’ Alyson Scurfield, chief executive of TSA said. ‘This campaign provides messaging and visuals that clearly communicate the difference TEC males to people’s wellbeing, confidence and independence – as well as their health and safety – offering families and unpaid carers reassurance and peace of mind. I can’t wait to see our sector using it.’
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