Technology for healthcare: Collaborations with CAVUHB’s Shaping Change
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s (CAVUHB) Shaping Change team have been working in collaboration with Digital Communities Wales (DCW), to embed digital support within several departments over the past 12 months.
Shaping Change support members of health and care staff across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to make things better for their patients, their colleagues, and themselves. This collaboration highlights the team’s willingness to leverage technology to enhance mental health care, improve the well-being of patients and empower care providers to work with external partners and provide beneficial support that pushes boundaries.
This partnership began at the Innovation in Dementia Showcase in 2023, where the Shaping Change brought CAVUHB colleagues, businesses, academia, charities, and government organisations together to explore innovative solutions for dementia care. It was there that Shaping Change and DCW planted the seeds for a fruitful collaboration.
DCW’s stall showcased exciting possibilities for dementia care, featuring a virtual reality (VR) headset that provided glimpses into calming landscapes and cherished memories, whilst a reminiscence hand bike combined physical activity with digital storytelling. The resources on show captured the attention of both staff and patients, igniting a shared interest in unveiling the potential of digital technology to enhance well-being for people with dementia and those caring for them.
This initial spark blossomed into a series of impactful actions; DCW connected with the Memory Team, Mental Health Services for Older People team (MHSOP) and the Special Interest VR group at CAVUHB, laying the groundwork for further collaboration.
Cardiff and the Vale UHB’s MHSOP department have since worked closely with DCW on a range of foundational and creative digital inclusion strategies. Initially, digital skills audits highlighted areas for improvement, so that staff could be trained to confidently support patients.
From here, DCW and MHSOP co-produced and facilitated a “Recovery Through Activity” session, utilising VR and smart speakers with an aim to demonstrate how innovative technology can enhance the overall quality of care provided to patients. This also gave staff first-hand experience in facilitating digital workshops, and has empowered them to continue this work without DCW support.
The MHSOP department have also gone on to place an emphasis on embedding digital inclusion within the support they provide on a day-to-day basis. DCW loaned the department six tablets, one for each ward across the two hospitals. Tablets are a useful introductory tool for those experiencing newer digital technologies for the first time, as they do not require knowledge of a mouse and keyboard, have a range of reminiscence, educational and entertainment options, various accessibility features, and a large screen size.
Finally, to ensure they are providing the highest quality digital support, eight MHSOP staff completed Digital Champions training. This has allowed the department to heighten their digital inclusion offer and laid a solid foundation for future support to their 214 patients. The Memory Team, with over 3000 outpatients under their care, have undergone the same training, so they’re equipped to identify and provide support around the use of practical and innovative digital resources when visiting patient homes.
Looking forward, DCW’s collaboration has extended to the Occupational Therapy department. A visit to their support kitchen and bedroom space resulted in a consultation and a roadmap for incorporating assistive technology. From a Mi-Fi device for seamless internet access to smart speakers and a Meta Portal TV, the department is excited to explore the list of digital resources that empowers patients to practice independence within a technology-enabled environment.
Talking on the collaboration, Zoe Hilton Innovation Program Manager CAVUHB said:
“I am delighted to see collaborative opportunities resulting from the Innovation in Dementia Showcase that we held last year. Digital Communities Wales have an inspiring commitment to support our patients and communities in the field of digital technology, to improve experience and outcomes aligned with the prudent principles we all strive to meet. I’m excited to be part of the development of this partnership and can’t thank the brilliant Cwmpas team for all their support.”
Cadi Cliff, Programme Manager at DCW said:
“We’re excited to see this partnership developing. The initial spark at the dementia event has ignited a fantastic collaboration. Shaping Change’s platform for innovation, coupled with DCW’s expertise of digital, and openness to progress, is paving the way for a future where digital technologies enhance the lives of patients and empower care providers at Cardiff and Vale UHB.”