Research project
Workforce Development for Assisted Living Technology
- Start date: 1 January 2012
- End date: 31 August 2012
- Funder: Skills for Care
- Primary investigator: Andrea Wigfield
- Co-investigators: Dr Katy Wright
The first part of this project involved case studies with three local authorities, each of which included documentary analysis and up to ten in-depth qualitative interviews with a range of staff to explore workforce development and Assisted Living Technology.
The specific objectives of the research were …
- investigate the commissioning processes for Assisted Living Technology/Services within different delivery models
- illustrate the management structure of services
- examine marketing and promotion of the service
- examine individual service delivery models, map the range, number and input of professionals and practitioners involved across different levels
- determine current training and support provision for those involved in service delivery
- highlight existing gaps in support and learning development
- and extract future planned developments for the service
The second part of the project involved an on-line survey of a large number of organisations throughout England which are involved in delivering Assisted Living Technology Services (ALT) including telecare, telehealth, digital participation and wellness services. This includes Local Authorities, private and voluntary organisations. The survey will enable us to gain an insight into the extent to which the findings of the case studies are replicated elsewhere. Key issues explored in the survey include the:
- Extent of ALT being delivered across different areas in England
- Range of tasks associated with referral, assessment, installation, monitoring and response, and review of these services
- Conditions which are supported through the use of ALT
- Workforce development, support and qualifications available for staff working with ALT, and any gaps in this provision.