Cognitive support technology for transitions age service users

Abstract

Background: Identified small cohort of 5 users who did not meet the Fair Access to Care Services eligibility thresholds but could do in the future without some form of intervention Most young people identified for the project had needs regarding Autism and behavioural problems Young people identified were not accessing Education/ Training or Employment Needed support regarding independent living skills which is a key government outcome Small project was established Spring 2013 to determine if a cognitive support technology intervention could lead to increased independent living skills and to reduce the likelihood of requiring future services Service Delivery: Joint Project Steering Group established between Children and Adult Services, Connexions, Occupational Therapy, Bucks New University and private sector technology provider Connexions identify potential users requiring lifestyle management such as travel traning, task scheduling, access to employment, etc. Cases discussed at Project Steering Group and then discussed between OT and family If all parties in agreement, OT conducts joint assessment with technology provider Occupational Therapy provides up to six follow up sessions and Connexions deliver on-going support OT re-assesses at end to see what progress has been made regarding increased independence Initial Findings: 11 users identified to date, with target of 15 by year end 6 young people are now receiving this intervention and have relevant equipment 3 have been referred onto occupational therapy for further support and then will receive the technology appropriate to their need e.g. smart phone for user to use supporting route planner to access bus to work, or smart tablet to help user schedule ingredients required to prepare healthy meal independently International Digital Health and Care Congress, The King’s Fund, London, September 10-12 2014. International Journal of Integrated Care – Volume 14, 01 November – URN:NBN:NL:UI:10-1-116448– http://www.ijic.org/ 2 families have already identified a significant reduction in stress at home and improvement in family relationships Increased independence for user Potential cost avoidance savings in the future for one of the users identified to be in the region of £40k (supported living) Positive reception on project findings from Children’s Joint Executive Team last November Outcomes: Short term Occupational Therapy support has proven to be very effective for families Use of the technology is beginning to up skill the cohort and 1 user now can cook independently of the technology Without this intervention, 1 user would have likely ended up in supported living which would have ultimately been more costly Overall health for 1 user would have significantly deteriorated in the next few years due to lack of knowledge about nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals All have improved independent living skills especially regarding travelling along and cooking . Evaluation of project in partnership with Bucks New University Positive media coverage via local papers and TV Future: Project group are looking into other potential groups that are currently in college or sixth form Investigating potential transferability of cognitive support technology to other groups e.g. users with a Dementia, Neuro-Rehab, CAMHS, Children’s OT. Recognised that the earlier the intervention, the more likely users will be prepared for move in adulthood and less likely need for traditional, higher cost provision Extension of project into 14/15 Part of wider discussion in relation to Adult, Children and NHS Services approach to future joint commissioning of AT