Understanding the Digital Capability Framework: Working with others

This article is the second in a six-part series which explores the Digital Capability Framework (DCF). The DCF, developed by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), is made up of six domains and a self-evaluation tool. The framework helps healthcare professionals understand the importance of digital technology and identify areas of digital development.

Digital development in healthcare is essential, not only for personal growth in an evolving digital landscape but also for enhancing patient care. As technology continues to advance, it’s crucial that healthcare professionals have the confidence and skills to integrate it effectively into their practice.

This series offers an in-depth exploration of each domain in the DCF, highlighting their importance and value. Previously, the Learning and leadership domain was highlighted and, in this article, the focus is on the Working with others domain.

The Working with others domain sits alongside three sub domains:

·???????? Communication

·???????? Collaboration

·???????? Participation

The Working with others domain emphasises the importance of being able to communicate effectively using digital technology, as well as collaborate with others online and build digital networks. It is important to recognise that technology changes the way we work and how we interact with others. ?For example, meeting via Teams rather than in person can improve efficiency of All Wales working groups.

Communication

The communication sub-domain emphasises the ability to utilise various technologies for effective communication. This ranges from basic tools like smartphones for calls and texts to more advanced platforms such as Microsoft Teams?. A key skill in building strong relationships is adapting one's communication style to suit different digital formats. It is essential to adjust the digital communication approach based on the needs of the individuals being interacted with and the purpose of the interaction. This adaptability is supported by an understanding of the risks and benefits associated with using digital communication technologies.

Collaboration

The collaboration sub-domain focuses on how we work together online. With remote working on the rise and the ability to collaborate across Wales, it's important to know which technologies provide the best experience and functionality for effective communication. Alongside this, working together no longer means everyone working on the same task at the same time, in one place.

Advancements in products like Microsoft Office 365? enable teams to share documents digitally and collaborate on live documents in real time. With this functionality, it is essential to understand how to adapt communication, attitudes, and behaviours to work effectively together. It's also important to understand which technologies can help remove barriers and ensure fair communication.

Participation

The participation sub-domain highlights the importance of actively engaging with others as the best way to collaborate in the digital age. This means using technology to build connections and collaborating online for positive real-world results. Examples of this could be simply, booking annual leave online to allow personal holidays with family, to building professional networks through social media platforms like LinkedIn?. Digital technology plays a vital role in daily life, and a key capability is the willingness to engage in this evolving digital world.

Your next step

Getting started with developing your online communication skills can be daunting.

A great first step is to complete the Digital Capability Framework (DCF) self-assessment tool.?

The tool will help prompt you to consider your current digital skills and there are also bite-size resources available to help kick start your development.??

It takes approximately one hour to complete the DCF, which you work through at your own pace, at a time to suit you. Your progress will be saved along the way, so don’t worry if you’re interrupted.

Many professions recognise this activity by providing an hour of certified continuing professional development (CPD) for completion.

Visit the HEIW website to learn more.