Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership

Digital technology can enhance health and social care by transforming how we connect and keep in touch with services or monitor our own health and wellbeing. Midlothian is investing in growing digital and data capabilities, to enable prevention and earlier intervention, keep people independent and healthier for longer, deliver the responsive and reliable services people expect, and introduce new ways of working that are more efficient (Midlothian Digital Implementation Plan, 2021-2023).

Technology Enabled Care is defined as citizen facing digital solutions where “outcomes for individuals in home or community settings are improved through the application of technology as an integral part of quality, cost effective care and support to look after more people at home” (Scottish Government, 2023). Technology Enabled Care is therefore a broad term which can include a range of services enhanced by the addition of technology including self-care apps on smartphones, telecare, wearable sensors to monitor conditions or alert/alarm services help is required and online health information.

Extra capabilities provided by technology are needed but the evidence suggests that general efforts to implement information-technology in health are extremely difficult due to complex interrelated technical, social, and organisational factors (Cresswell & Sheikh, 2013). Changes are implemented based on evidence and must be sustainable for a changing population and steps taken to prevent digital technologies determining or widening health inequalities.

Some examples of reshaping services using technology in the HSCP:

• Between 1,700 and 1,800 people have a community alarm/telecare service (Midlothian Council). Modernisation of telecare services by 2025 to ‘go digital’ will ensure service continuity to our most vulnerable customers. Requires significant investment of resources and will allow earlier warning signs for potential support and availability across a wider range of devices.
• The Learning Disability Service has been exploring the potential of telecare to support redesign of sleepovers in care packages.  This work is on-going on a case-by-case basis. It is looking at how reassurance can be provided through activity monitoring (e.g., Just Checking), telecare, and analytics.
• Five GP practices are participating in the Scale-Up BP project - to change the model of blood pressure monitoring in primary care by remotely transmitting data and receiving care instruction saving travel and face-to-face visits.
• The MyDESMOND Interactive Digital Programme allows patients to access Type 2 Diabetes education and support at a personally preferred time and pace. The programme is a web-based platform that works like an app.  
• In 2022, work started on the action in the Single Midlothian plan 2023-2027 to develop a digital self-management platform to enable people who would benefit from support with activities of daily living have more control in how they manage their health and wellbeing.
• Support the National Transforming Local Systems Pathfinder Programme and trial and encourage the take up of technology enabled care solutions that help prevent and delay acute support being needed.