These meetings are aimed at groups of health and care staff, residents and service users and VCSE organisations to meet monthly for the next six months and work together to test out new ideas to help improve digital inclusion in-between these meetings.

Access to equipment (e.g. smartphones) and data

Date: 16th September 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm

Testing new ideas to increase ownership of and access to digital devices and WIFI / data which means people for whom this is a barrier can access virtual consultations and online services. Some example ideas from the workshop included using personal budgets to purchase devices, working with national charities (e.g. Good Things Foundation), recycling old / unused digital hardware from local providers, working with Internet Cafes to open up their sites as access points for health and care users and pro-active engagement to increase use of these.

Adaptations to digital products

Date 17th September 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm

Identifying and tackling the specific barriers which existing virtual consultations pose for some people. This could include people with physical or learning disabilities, with hearing or visual impairments, or with some mental health conditions, such as eating disorders. Examples of change ideas on this topic include making adaptations to websites and apps (e.g. to make them compatible with voice recognition software), making changes to fonts, images and graphics, using the accessible protocol, having plain English or easy apps and instructions and having translations available in a range of languages.

Building skills, awareness and confidence

Date 18th September 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm

A common barrier to people using digital tools is the skills and confidence these tools require, including people who are anxious about the lack of privacy. Change ideas that came up in the workshop on this topic included working with social prescribers and other community based staff and volunteers to run IT literacy support sessions, and set up digital buddy schemes, and providing staff with training to support people the first few times they use a digital tool.

Clarity over non-digital pathways, including safe and secure spaces

Date 23rd September 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm

Some people aren’t aware that GP practices and other health services are open and available for routine care, or are fearful of going into a surgery. Other people (e.g. women in abusive relationships, or people in homes which are crowded or lack privacy) want to be able to access care and support in safe and secure spaces outside their homes, which could be in a practice or via other community based organisation.

Improving patient experience and choice

Date 24th September 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm

Having communications which make the different choices available clear, and providing clear instructions before, during and after virtual appointments that help patients get the most out of them.