Leading the way with Accessible Information (AI)- Developing AI capabilities across health and social services Dr Clare Mander Lead Speech & Language Therapist

Aims of this presentation: ●To provide an overview of accessible information (AI) and the developments within Solent NHS Trust. ●To highlight the impact of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) innovation on local, national and international practice. ●To demonstrate the value of SLT involvement in workforce development, within the field of AI, across the region.

Key Facts: Accessible Information (AI) 1.AI is a process of making communication and information easier for anyone who has difficulty accessing standard information. 2.AI is a hidden need. No reliable statistics, however it is estimated that up to 30% of the population may have an AI need. 3.AI is set within a legal framework and many national drivers. However, there is a dearth of primary research evidence to inform practice. 4.Without AI, people with AI needs are not enabled to make informed decisions about their care. 5.Effective use of AI could save the NHS money.

Definition of AI: ‘Accessible information is a dynamic and multifaceted process of making information easier for anyone who has difficulty accessing standard information. The process not only involves the development of accessible resources, but more importantly the delivery of the resources. The delivery phase is vital in ensuring that the accessible resource meets the needs of the individual, which ultimately leads to improved understanding’. Mander, C. (2013) An Investigation of the Accessible Information Process for Adults with Learning Disabilities. PhD Thesis, University of Portsmouth.

Using Accessible Information Rather than continually struggling with the production of the ‘perfect accessible resource’, the focus should be on how the communication partner can work with and adapt standard accessible resources to maximise individual understanding.

The Triangle of Accessibility Mander, C. (2009) The Triangle of Accessibility In C. Jenkins (2009) Communication and Intellectual Disability. University of Portsmouth. Course Notes.

AI Developments with Solent NHS Trust 1) PhD research conducted between

AI Developments with Solent NHS Trust 2) Development of an AI website

AI Developments with Solent NHS Trust 3) Our first AI event 2012

AI Developments with Solent NHS Trust 4) Trust Wide AI Project 2013

AI Developments with Solent NHS Trust 4) 360°Feedback project

AI Developments with Solent NHS Trust 5) AI Training Project 2015

The impact of SLT led AI developments Local impact; ●Funding from Health Education Wessex for research internships and innovation. ●Development of AI practice within a number of services across Solent inc. Easy Read summaries within new patient literature and Easy Read Trust newsletters ●Trust wide AI standards and specific objectives within the quality account. National impact; ●Contribution to the NHS England Accessible Information Standards and implementation workshops. ●Co-authored a number of RCSLT publications relating to AI practice including the Adult Learning Disability and Inclusive Communication Position Papers and The Five Good Communication Standards.

The impact of SLT led AI developments International impact; ●Oral presentations at the IASSIDD European Congress in 2012 and ●Publication in peer reviewed journal. ●Global hits on the AI website.

The value of SLT involvement within the field of AI ●Assessment and advice for individuals with complex communication and information needs within commissioned care pathways. ●Development of AI capabilities through evidence-based competency training. ●MDT working within and across services. ●On-going research and development within the field.

What next? Do we need a regional implementation strategy? We could be in a stronger position if we can coordinate our implementation at a regional level. Key work streams of a regional AI implementation strategy are presented below; ●Promotional campaign ●Directory of services for the production of AI resources ●Training ●Developing and embedding AI competencies across health & social staff ●Releasing time to support AI processes ●Co-designed AI pathways ●Policy review

Contact Details: Dr Clare Mander Lead Speech & Language Therapist Solent NHS Trust Kestrel Centre St James’ Hospital Locksway Road Portsmouth UK PO4 8LD #ClareMander