PAMIS has been described as ‘a small charity, punching well above its weight’, following the roll out of their digital passport programme.
PAMIS is a Scottish charity based in Dundee supporting people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). People living with PMLD are some of the most excluded people in our communities as they have very little cognitive and communication skills and are often unable to communicate their thoughts and feelings. The digital passport is helping to change this, empowering those living with PMLD and their families.
The digital passport is an e-book containing relevant information specific to individuals including their likes and dislikes, specific care needs, medical procedures and effective ways of communication. Made up of photos, videos and sounds, the passport can be used to educate health care professionals on how to meet specific needs that aren’t necessarily standard care methods or procedures, but support individuals and their families.
Ian Stables a lecturer in Health and Social Care at Edinburgh Napier University thinks the digital passport can be a ”big help” for people struggling to access health services.
He said: ”People with learning disabilities still struggle to access quality mainstream health services and I see the digital passport as a big help into enabling people to access health services and communicate their needs to health professionals.”
The digital revolution has launched a new era of empowerment which is helping some of the most vulnerable and excluded people engage in society. As the Scottish Government moves towards creating a fully digitalised and integrated health service, digital technology will be used to empower all Scottish citizens to take control of their health and be used to provide person-centred care.
Catriona Jamieson, Digital Passport Development Worker said that ”Every opportunity should be taken to implement good health and social care through digital technology.”
Interested in digital health? Learn more at FutureScots’ HSC Digital Leaders’ Summit.
The long-term objective is for digital passports to be used across health and social care and with health professionals from all fields being expected to use them as part of the delivery of care.
If you want to find out more about PAMIS and the positive impact digital passports have on those living with PMLD watch this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue1Tf3zoKJ4&t=405s&ab_channel=PAMISScotland