Boosting digital safety in north west London’s care homes
Organisation: North West London Integrated Care System
In just four months, we supported over 250 care homes and 500 care providers in north west London to be digitally safe and secure.
Challenge
In 2023, North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL ICB) needed support to tackle low levels of data security compliance among care homes and providers.
The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is an annual self-assessment that shows care providers are safeguarding data and protecting against breaches and cyber-attacks.
Solution
We implemented a strategy to improve previously low levels of DSPT compliance in NWL, particularly among care homes. This included delivering a programme of engagement, training and support within a four-month timeframe, working ‘through and with’ local authority and NHS borough social care leads. In particular, we:
- developed and delivered a communications and engagement plan, establishing regular communications channels and building relationships with NHS and local authority social care leads, and care providers
- delivered 10 virtual group sessions, to raise awareness of DSPT, articulate the benefits of compliance, and demonstrate how to comply
- offered one-to-one email and phone support to care providers.
Outcomes
By 30 June 2023, almost 90% of care homes were DSPT compliant (88%, up from 67% at the start), beating the national target of 80%.
Additionally, we saw the percentage of compliant domiciliary care providers almost triple, increasing from 12% to 33%.
This means that more care home resident data is protected from the risk of a data breach or cyber-attack. Moreover, compliant care services can use NHSMail and Digital Social Care Records to support joined-up working by health and social care.
As a result of this success, we continued to support this work in 2023-24, including delivering a wider digital transformation programme.
“Thank you for your work supporting improvements which have a direct impact on care for our residents.”
Jane Wheeler, Director of Local Care, NWL ICB
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