Digital skills and new technologies

The key changes in the updated standards of proficiency can be grouped into a number of themes, of which this is one. The changes in the updated standards extend beyond these themes. To see them all, download the
full standards for your profession >

Why?

Technology continues to play an expanding role in the work of our registrants. We have made it clear that we expect registrants to maintain their ability to use new technology relevant to their practice.

Specific standards:

Registrants must:

• 6.5: recognise that the concepts of confidentiality and informed consent extend to all mediums, including illustrative clinical records, such as photography, video and audio recordings and digital platforms
• 7.7: use information, communication and digital technologies appropriate to their practice
• 9.3: use digital record-keeping tools where required
• 13.1: be able to change their practice as needed to take account of new developments, technologies and changing contexts
  
  

Expectations of registrants:

• The use of technology has always been an important part of the way registrants meet the standards
• The four standards above cover key areas in which registrants should be able to make use of technology
• This standard does not mean registrants must be able to use all technology relevant to their field, as we know that registrants will have different access to technology based on their work setting and/or employer
• One way that registrants can integrate the new standards into their practice is through their own records. For instance, when offering telehealth services to a new service user, registrants should:
  • consider how this might impact on the service user’s confidentiality
  • take time to explain to the service user how any of their information might be stored differently when compared to a face-to-face meeting
• Registrants may also find it useful to specifically direct their CPD to new technology relevant to their field and reflect on the possible impact of new technology on their practice

Registrants should use their professional judgement when applying these standards. How you meet the standards will depend on your role, your workplace and your individual scope of practice.

What registrants need to do

Registrants need to ensure that they meet the updated standards as far as they relate to their scope of practice. We recommend dedicating some continuing professional development (CPD) time to making sure that any gaps between the standards and your current practice are filled. Our gap analysis tool can be a good starting point for this.

Evidence of these activities does not need to be submitted to the HCPC outside of a normal CPD audit. If you are selected for CPD audit, we’ll contact you at the beginning of your renewal window.

Resources