Liaise Loddon, Sansa House

‘The provider had also recently installed person centred software (PCS) which was linked to the electronic devices staff used to record people’s daily notes. This system also provided alerts when required, for example; to remind staff if people had initially declined their medicines. This innovative system enabled relatives to see what their loved one was doing at any given time through a ‘relative’s portal’. Clearly visible icons displayed people’s moods so people authorised to visit their records could see at a glance how they were feeling. The relative’s portal also had a gallery of photographs showing people enjoying themselves completing different activities.’

‘Relatives provided positive feedback about the development of PCS. One person told us, “One of the strengths of this service has always been the joined up communication between relatives and the staff. They have always been excellent at providing important information, keeping us involved and updated. This new development again shows why they are always trying to make things even better.”‘

‘We observed one person decline their morning medicine and staff demonstrated how the electronic recording system reminded them to administer the medicine later. The person administering also set another alert to ensure the person did receive their medicines as prescribed. People were supported to take their medicines safely.’

‘We spoke with the provider’s positive support director who told us they were improving the capability of the PCS and in the next phase were going to include people’s care plans and risk assessments so authorised people, including relatives and advocates where appropriate, would be able to access live documents. The provider used innovative and inclusive methods to ensure people and those that mattered to them had information available to them when they needed it.’

‘Staff demonstrated how the PCS technology enabled people’s relatives, who could be on the other side of the world, to review this incident, the action taken by staff and the person’s recovery as it was recorded.’