Welcome to the Right Decision Service (RDS) newsletter for September 2024.
1.Business case for permanent provision of the Right Decision Service from April 2025 onwards
This business case has now been endorsed by the HIS Board and will shortly be submitted to Scottish Government.
2. Management of RDS support tickets
To balance increasing demand with available capacity and financial resource, the RDS team and Tactuum are now working together to implement closer management of support tickets. As a key part of this, we want to ensure clear, timely and consistent communication with yourselves as requesters.
Editors will now start seeing new messages come through in response to support ticket requests which reflect this tightening up and improvement of our processes.
Key points to note are:
2.1 Issues confirmed by the RDS and Tactuum teams as meeting the critical/urgent and high priority criteria will continue to be prioritised and dealt with immediately.
Critical/urgent issues are defined as:
The Service as a whole is not operational for multiple users. OR
Multiple core functions of the Service are not operational for multiple users.
A single core function of the Service is not operational for multiple users. OR:
Multiple non-core functions of the Service are not operational for multiple users.
Example – Build to app not working.
2.2 Support requests that are outwith the warranty period of 12 weeks since the software was originally developed will not be automatically addressed by Tactuum. The RDS team will consider these requests for costed development work and will obtain estimate of effort and cost from Tactuum for priority issues.
2.3 Support tickets for technical issues that are not classified as bugs will not be automatically addressed by Tactuum. The definition of a bug is ‘a defect in the software that is at variance with documented user requirements.’ Issues that are not bugs will also be considered for costed development work.
The majority of issues currently in support tickets fall into category 2 or 3 above, or both.
2.4 Non-urgent requests that require a deployment (i.e a new release of RDS) will normally be factored into the next scheduled release (currently end of Nov 2024 and end of Feb 2025) unless by special agreement with the RDS team.
Please note that we plan to move in the new year to a new system whereby requests all come to an RDS support portal in the first instance and are triaged from there to Tactuum when appropriate.
We will be organising a webinar in a few weeks’ time to take you through the details of the current support processes and criteria.
3. Next scheduled deployment.
The next scheduled RDS deployment will take place at the end of November 2024. We are reviewing all outstanding support tickets and feature requests along with estimates of effort and cost to determine which items will be included in this deployment.
We will update you on this in the next newsletter and in the planned webinar about support ticket processes.
4. Contingency arrangements for RDS
Many thanks to those of you who attended our recent webinar on the contingency arrangements being put in place to prevent future RDS outages as far as possible and minimise impact if they do occur. Please contact ann.wales3@nhs.scot if you would like a copy of the slides from this session.
5. Transfer of CKP pathways to RDS
The NES clinical knowledge pathway (CKP) publisher is now retired and the majority of pathways supported by this tool have been transferred to the RDS. Examples include:
If you would like to promote one of your new toolkits through this newsletter, please contact ann.wales3@nhs.scot
To go live imminently:
Focus on dementia
NHS Lothian infectious diseases toolkit
Dumfries and Galloway Adult Support and Protection procedures
SIGN guideline – Prevention and remission of type 2 diabetes
7. Evaluation projects
We have recently analysed the results of a survey of users of the Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines toolkit. Key findings from 61 respondents include:
Most respondents (64%) are frequent users of the toolkit, using it either daily or weekly. A further 25% use it once or twice per month.
5% of respondents use the toolkit to deliver direct patient care and 82% use it for learning
Impact on practice and decision-making was rated as very high, with 80% of respondents rating these at a 4-5 on a 5 point scale.
Impact on time saving was also high, with 74% of respondents rating it from 3-5.
74% also reported that the toolkit improved their knowledge and skills, rating these at 4-5 on the Likert scale
Key strengths identified included:
The information is useful, succinct, and easy to understand (31%).
Coverage is comprehensive (15%)
All information is readily accessible in one place and users value the offline access via mobile app (15%)
Information is reliable, evidence-based and up to date (13%)
Users highlighted key areas for improvement in terms of navigation and search functionality. The survey was very valuable in enabling us to uncover the specific issues affecting the user experience. Many of these can be addressed through content management approaches. The issues identified with search results echo other user feedback, and we are costing improvements with a view to implementation in the next RDS deployment.
8.RDS High risk prescribing (polypharmacy) decision support embedded in Vision and EMIS primary care E H R systems
This decision support software, sponsored by Scottish Government Effective Prescribing and Therapeutics Division, is now available for all primary care clinicians across NHS Tayside. Board-wide implementation is also planned for NHS Lothian, and NHS GGC, NHS Ayrshire and Arran and NHS Dumfries and Galloway have initial pilots in progress. The University of Dundee has been commissioned to evaluate impact of this decision support software on prescribing practice.
9. Video tutorials for RDS editors
Ten bite-size (5 mins or less) video tutorials for RDS editors are now available in the “Resources for providers of RDS tools” section of the RDS. These cover core functionality including Save and preview, content page and media management, password management and much more.
10. Training sessions for new editors (also serve as refresher sessions for existing editors) will take place on the following dates:
Wednesday 23rd October 4-5 pm
Tuesday 29th October 11 am -12 pm
To book a place, please contact Olivia.graham@nhs.scot, providing your name, organisation, job role, and level of experience with RDS editing (none, a little, moderate, extensive.)
Information on Poverty and Early Years can be found here .
Poverty Introduction
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, child poverty in Glasgow was significant with 1 in 3 families living in relative poverty (approximately 36,000 children). In some parts of the City, the level of child poverty was as high as 45%. It has been estimated that at least 2,510 more children in Glasgow are living in poverty since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current cost of living crisis presents an additional ongoing challenge to families across Glasgow, with many struggling to make ends meet. We know poverty at any stage in life can lead to negative outcomes.
The reasons why families with children are in poverty can vary, and arise from different circumstances and life events.
Hearing from children and young people
A consultation with children and young people has influenced the new 'Glasgow City Integrated Children’s Services Plan 2020 - 2023'. This video shares some of the important things they have said about poverty.
Poverty Health and Wellbeing Information
Poverty damages health and poor health increases the risk of poverty. The current cost of living crisis is likely to have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. This will put more pressure on statutory and non-statutory services as people reach out for help.
Scotland's School Health and Wellbeing Census 2021/22 highlighted some key information in relation to pupils in Glasgow. For more info on the school census click here.
There was no direct reference to poverty, but 70% of pupils who completed the survey were within SIMD 1 & 2 areas.
27% of pupils (P7 - S6) said they sometimes went to school or bed hungry.
59% of pupils (P7 - S6) said they never went to school or bed hungry.
Poverty and Education
The poverty-related attainment gap remains wide and existing inequalities were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a gap in children and young people’s educational attainment by parental income across all stages of education. 80% of the top performing schools are located in the most affluent areas in Scotland. The current cost of living crisis may further widen the attainment gap.
Further info on the Scottish Attainment Challenge 2022/2023 - 2025/2026 available here
There are some developments in Glasgow City that aim to close the attainment gap. Including:
Financial Inclusion Support Officer (FISO) Project
Glasgow City Council are currently running a Financial Inclusion Support Officer project aimed at embedding Financial Inclusion support into a school setting. The foundations of this project were based very much on listening to parents and community groups with lived experience of poverty and using data that the council has to identify need and gaps in service. The project aims to look at new ways to tackle child poverty initially targeting two of the three main drivers of Child poverty, the cost of living and maximising entitlement from social security benefits.For more information on FISO Support click here
Clothing Grants and Free School Meals
There is support for eligible families from Glasgow city Council to access clothing grants and free school meals. Including during the Spring Break, Find out more here
Pupil Equity Funding
Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) is additional funding allocated to schools and targeted at closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Find out more here
Priorities for Poverty Work
In Scotland, there is a focus on families most at risk of poverty. Priority groups include:
lone parents
families with a disabled adult or child
mothers under the age of 25
minority ethnic families
households with 3 or more children
households where there is a child under the age of 1
The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 requires the Scottish Government to reduce the number of children who live in poverty. Scotland has outlined the following targets:
In work poverty
Work is expected to be a route out of poverty, as highlighted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. For many families, having someone in work is not proving enough as 77% of children in poverty are from unemployed households.
According to the Poverty and Inequality Commission, 60% of working age adults in poverty and 65% of children in poverty live in a household where someone is in employment. Households in working poverty are more likely to have young children than the general population. The ability of parents to increase their working hours is likely to be dependent on availability of flexible working and affordable childcare.
The Three ‘Drivers of Poverty’
There is a strong evidence base that helps us to understand the 'drivers' of child poverty - in other words, the reasons why so many families with children are in poverty. These can vary markedly by household, and derive from different circumstances and life events. However, at their core, the direct drivers of poverty fall into three main categories - income from employment, costs of living, and income from social security.
A range of policies and initiatives have been introduced in attempt to positively impact on these three drivers, with a particular focus on the 6 priority family types who are at higher risk of poverty.
Glasgow City Food Plan and a 'Cash First' approach
The Glasgow City Food Plan outlines ‘Fair Food for All’ as one of the priorities, this looks at addressing barriers to food insecurity and identifying and scaling up good practice in the city to support those in need of assistance. From 2024, Glasgow will be involved in a Scottish Government funded ‘Cash First’ approach pilot to enable further capacity building, enhanced sharing of practice/referral pathways and learning. Find out more about the 'Cash First' approach here
Poverty Resources
Educator resources
Cost of the Nursery Day
The Cost of the Nursery Day project aimed to identify poverty-related barriers to learning and participation in nurseries, and to develop ways to overcome them. The project was delivered in 2019 and involved working with parents and carers to understand their lived experience of how Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) policies and practices can affect low income households. It also involved working with ELC staff to explore the role of the nursery in reducing the effects of poverty on families.
For more information on the Cost of the Nursery Day project, click here to access the full report.
Cost of the School Day
The Cost of the School Day helps all children and young people to take part and be happy at school. When children and young people can't take part in opportunities because of cost, they miss out and feel excluded, and it is harder for them to learn, achieve and be happy at school. For more information on Cost of the School Day including the toolkit, short films and supporting resources, visit the Child Poverty Action Group website here
Talking about Costs and Money at School
Talking about school costs and money can be challenging but doing it well helps to break down financial barriers to education and makes sure families get the support they need. When schools communicate well about costs, entitlements and wider financial support, it takes pressure off families, puts money in their pockets and helps children and young people take part at school. But we know that this isn’t always straightforward.
Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and the National Parent Forum of Scotland have brought together experiences and suggestions from over 1800 parents and carers across Scotland into an animation and a practical resource for schools. Please see this animation below.
The practical resource, 'Talking about Costs and Money', is split into five simple steps which are all designed to open up or enhance a whole school conversation about costs and money. As well as great advice from parents, the resource contains a range of case studies from schools working hard to get this right for their families. To view this resource, click here to visit the CPAG website.
General resources and information
Benefits and grants
Information on benefits, funds and grants, including the Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, can be found by clicking here
Cost of Living Support Website
Scottish Government has launched a new website in response to the current cost of living crisis. The website brings together in one place information on support, grants, benefits and advice, in order to help people find what support they may be entitled to. You can access the website here
Worrying About Money? Cash First Referrals
'Worrying About Money?' cash first referral leaflets are co-designed as straightforward resources both for people facing money worries and support workers. The step-by-step guides identify which local agencies are best placed to help people maximise income and access any existing financial entitlements. All advice available in English, Slovakian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Urdu, Romanian, and Farsi. Click here to find out more and access the leaflets.
Social Security Scotland Resources
Social Security Scotland have a range of resources available here
Citizen’s Advice (Scotland)
Citizen's Advice offer advice on work, benefits and lots more. Find out more here
Citizens Advice Scotland's Money Map
Citizens Advice Scotland's Money Map can help you find sources of online support to:
Home Energy Scotland helps people in Scotland create warmer homes, reduce energy bills, and lower carbon footprints. They are funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Energy Saving Trust link. Visit their website by clicking here
Poverty: Our Hidden Shame Film and Resource Pack
‘Poverty: Our Hidden Shame’ film and resource pack explores the impact of poverty in local communities. It was co-produced by young people in Govan, Glasgow and was short-listed at BAFTA for the AHRC Inspiration Award 2016. You can access the film and resource pack here
NHS Inform
Provides helpful information about coping with money worries including how to feel more positive and financial support services. Please click here to access the website.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an independent social change organisation working to solve UK poverty. Their website has a wide range of information and resources on child poverty. You can access it here
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – Poverty
Eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030 is a pivotal goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A range of facts, videos and further links are available here
Scottish Attainment Challenge
The Scottish Attainment Challenge is about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Resources and information are available here
Rights Respecting School Resources – UNICEF
UNICEF provide a wide range of resources to support teaching and learning about children’s rights in your classroom. You can access the resources here
Public Health Scotland Child Poverty Learning Hub
The hub is aimed at those working in local authorities, the NHS, HSCPs and the third sector, and anyone interested in reducing child poverty in Scotland. The hub is pitched at foundation level. The hub is free and can be accessed through the PHS Virtual Learning Environment. Click here to access the hub.
Glasgow City HSCP Cost of Living Support Guide
This directory provides easy access to available supports across Glasgow, clearly presented under the following themes: Holistic Supports, Food Supports, Money Advice Supports, Energy and Fuel Supports, Crisis Supports, Specific Population, Housing/Legal Supports, Practical Supports, Mental Health Supports, Support Directories and Helpline Supports. Click here to access the guide.
School Clothing Grant/Free School Meals
Families on low incomes may be eligible to receive a School Clothing Grant award. The award is given annually to assist with the cost of purchasing essential school clothing for families who are on a qualifying benefit. Families may also qualify for free school meals if they receive one or more qualifying benefit. For further information can be foundhere.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
Some individuals and families may not be entitled to benefits due to their nationality or immigration status, which can impact on their eligibility for free school meals and school clothing grants. For further information and support. Visit the Migration Scotland website for more information by clicking here .
Poverty Strategy/Policy Links
The Glasgow City HSCP Health Improvement Team have pulled together a list of key strategy and policy links regarding children and young people. These documents should be used to inform planning and delivery within your classroom and school community.
These documents are a useful resource to build a knowledge base around current priorities and work around poverty in Glasgow and across Scotland. Please note that clicking on these documents will take you to external websites.