Better health and ageing for all Australians

IT for Aged Care Providers: A Step by Step Guide

Are you an IT champion?

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Try to overcome the "Ugh" factor.

That is, don't keep thinking "Ugh. Technology. It doesn't interest me." By doing that you create a barrier before you even begin. Instead try to be open-minded and optimistic. Don't focus on the technology, instead concentrate on the problems that you're facing and what (rather than how) technology can help you do.

A recent survey of over 1000 Australian businesses found that investment in IT led to:

    • better information sharing within the organisation;
    • improved business intelligence through better understanding of customer needs and wants;
    • improved information for managing the organisation;
    • increased profitability; and
    • improved competitiveness.
Like most things that are new, the first step is usually the hardest.
    • Learn more about the software you use already – for example aim to become a more proficient user of Word or Excel.
    • Encourage the expert users in your organisation to regularly teach you, or someone else, something new.
    • Include IT training as part of your organisation's professional development.
    • Talk to your friends and colleagues from other organisations about how they use IT. Ask them for recommendations: about IT consultants, systems, software, suppliers, and all things related to IT.
    • Visit other facilities or organisations to talk to people about the systems or processes your organisation might be interested in.
    • Read widely about how IT is being used in the aged care sector – a list of useful resources is provided at the end of this guide.
It is important to note that the success of any new project of this nature begins and ends with behavioural change. IT is – or should be – everyone's business. Such significant cultural change will only occur with the full support of the management team.

Achieving Value From ICT

In the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind undertaken to date, over 1000 Australian organisations were surveyed, from small retailers to large government departments. A further 50 structured interviews provided additional context and detail.

Using quantitative and qualitative research methods, 'Achieving Value from ICT: key management strategies' examined the circumstances and settings in which ICT is implemented and used by small, medium and large organisations across a range of industry sectors.

The study also analysed the management strategies and organisational forms that accompany and optimise ICT implementation and identified the particular benefits derived from ICT use.

This in-depth and substantial report into ICT productivity is available online at: http://www.dbcde.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/25466/Achieving_Value_from_ICT_-_Key_Management_Strategies.pdf
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