A Step-by-Step Guide to Assessing Remote Monitoring Solutions
Take look at the comprehensive checklist for selecting the best-fit digital technology for organisations in health and social care.
There is a growing number of digital solutions out there, with varying propositions, features, and benefits which can complicate the task of choosing the right one for your organisation.
One of the biggest challenges identified when we interviewed just under 300 stakeholders across the health and social care system was the overwhelming choice making it hard to evaluate ‘the next big thing’ that always seems to be just around the corner. So how do you decide which one will work best for you and where to invest not just your budget but your valuable time too?
Step 1
Commissioning and implementing new technology should be driven by needs and outcomes
The first key step is to focus on what matters most to your organisation’s staff and service users, and what outcomes will have the most positive impact on their lives. What would your staff like help with in their day-to-day tasks, both short and long-term? Where do they struggle in the workplace that could be improved by a digital solution? What do your service users need and want? Once these questions are answered, you can start researching a solution that covers these priorities.
Step 2
Have meaningful conversations with stakeholders
Key internal stakeholders will have a set of outcomes they’d like to see. Identify these outcomes early on and work towards alignment with them during your research phase. Doing this before embarking on a project ensures that when assessing solutions, you’re basing your evaluations on collective needs - of both your stakeholders and your organisation.
Step 3
Gather data to understand potential outcomes
High-quality data and evidence are invaluable in validating your choices and reasoning. Ask potential providers for the data you need to build your case, including case studies across a variety of deployments. Look for both quantitative and qualitative evidence of outcomes, such as care worker testimonials and management feedback. This information strengthens your business case and decision-making process.
Step 4
Collaboration with technology providers is essential to the success of your project. The provider you choose should:
- Help you identify key outcomes
- Ensure their technology can deliver on your agreed goals
- Offer clarity on timeframes and ways of working
You should always feel empowered and assured in co-creating the project with your partner.
Step 5
Understand training requirements and flexibility
Training plays a critical role in ensuring successful implementation. Make sure you understand:
- The training offered by your chosen provider
- How long it will take
- Whether there are flexible training options (e.g. online and in-person sessions)
Tailor your training to your team’s unique needs to maximise their understanding, engagement and comfort with the new solution.
Step 6
Prioritise a user-centric design
It may sound simple, but take a look at the platform’s user interface. Is it intuitive and easy to use? Ask for a demonstration and assess whether it may overwhelm your team. If the platform is difficult to navigate it could hinder the project’s success.
Step 7
Explore how they can grow the project and scale it up
As you plan to scale the project to accommodate more service users or leverage economies of scale, it’s important to understand how the provider will support future growth. Consider:
Future product developments that cater to your evolving needs
How does the provider evaluate the project during deployment to ensure continued success
The ability to scale the technology effectively
Once you have gone through all or most of these steps, you should feel more confident in selecting the right technology for your organisation.
To read the full report on how to overcome the barriers of implementing digital technology in health and social care, click here.