Abstract
Introduction: Working alongside key partners within health and social care, Delta Wellbeing has implemented an innovative and large-scale programme focused on supporting prevention and wellbeing through a technological and digital approach called CONNECT.
The initiative transforms the way social care is delivered, implementing a new model of self-help and pro-active care helping people remain independent for longer and reducing demands on long-term or acute care.
CONNECT includes an assessment, co-produced wellbeing plans, pro-active wellbeing calls, bespoke TEC provision, access to a 24/7 welfare response and pro-active support pathways, all of which, support clients to maintain independence and remain safe at home.
Objectives: Clients have an in-depth assessment taking an asset-based approach that focuses on what matters to the individual. A co-produced wellbeing plan is developed and this directs towards pro-active support as well as pathways that assist with loneliness, falls and carer stress for example.
Bespoke TEC equipment supports the client depending on their needs. TEC, being the facilitator for the wrap around service includes the provision of mainstream TEC alongside working with new, innovative organisations. Our focus is on testing the art of the possible to ensure an improved outcome for our clients.
The response service responds to calls within 1 hour for non-medical emergencies, avoiding inappropriate hospital admission or use of emergency services, enhanced provisions that address wellbeing needs and ensuring clients are not impacted by significant long-lies.
Highlights: CONNECT delivers the three levels of prevention defined by public health, prevent, reduce and delay. Transformation in health and social care demands we act earlier.
Since launching, CONNECT has provided incremental support across the region. The number of pro-active calls completed from April 2020 to present, including additional COVID support calls throughout the pandemic totals a staggering 67,232. Our Response Team has also attended over 5,000 callouts since January 2020 with only 7% escalating to emergency services.
Crucially, CONNECT is easing pressure on the NHS and Social Care by managing demand and flow. Delta Wellbeing’s Blue Army has been working in emergency departments in local hospitals providing Information, Advice and Assistance and a vital bridging service to support hospital discharge as well as turning patients around at the front door. Our Rapid Response Team, the first of its kind in Wales to be registered with the Care Inspectorate Wales, assists patients to return home safely and ensures the right support to prevent re-admission.
Conclusion: We focus on engaging proactively with those that may present to services in the future and work with them to prevent needs escalating. With an emphasis on networked relationships, CONNECT delays dependency for those with long-term needs. We continue to adapt and evolve the model of delivery to meet the needs of our clients.
Transferability: A WG exemplar project, CONNECT was designed to be adopted and implemented at scale nationally and has proven to be adaptable at a local level whilst maintaining a national strategic focus. The success of the project has led to opportunities to expand into areas, such as Telehealth and Virtual Hospitals.