Community services have long been hailed as the knight in shining armour that can transform NHS care. In line with widespread Public Health initiatives aimed at shifting emphasis away from emergency care and towards disease prevention, community services can play a significant part in transforming patient/NHS engagement to alleviate the burden on critical NHS resources.
Technology is proving to be a powerful stimulus to enhance communication across the health and social care system and, based on 20+ years of working with diabetes professionals, software and consultancy provider Hicom has launched its Community Module that helps Health Care Professionals (HCPs) utilise mobile to care for diabetes patients out in the community.
The Community Module is an app extension of Hicom’s adult and paediatric diabetes patient management systems, Diamond and Twinkle. Specifically designed to improve the patient experience, the app enables Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DSNs) and GPs with a Special Interest (GPwSis) to take care directly to or near to their home, while still being able to connect to the information stored in Diamond and Twinkle. Crucially, this can be done without breaking the security needed when taking data out of the hospital network.
Installed on a tablet or laptop, the app allows a patient list and relevant patient information to be encrypted and downloaded to the device, which can then be used away from the hospital setting. Patient data in the form of height, weight, HbA1c levels and other key information can be taken during the patient visit and is automatically synchronised back into Diamond or Twinkle when a suitable and secure connection is available. This removes the need for HCPs to make manual notes and spend valuable time typing these up at a later date. The technology not only reduces the duplication of effort but also the possibility of transcription errors.
John Sanderson, Director at Hicom comments: “Strong community services are a vital component of an effective model of integrated health and social care. Giving accurate, secure and real-time access to patient information will not only empower community-based diabetes professionals, but help them make the most appropriate treatment decisions that can alleviate avoidable hospital admissions and enhance health outcomes.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to help improve diabetes care and support the NHS in providing more efficient, effective and joined-up services”, continues John. “The use of mobile tools in diabetes community services can undoubtedly impact where it matters most, and that is patient care, and we are looking forward to showcasing the Community Module at this year’s event.”
