PDA Technology Enabled Care SCQF level 7

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards. The PDA in Technology Enabled Care at SCQF level 7 covers the following specialist skills/high-level transferable skills: to equip Scotland's workforce with the knowledge and skills required to embed Technology Enabled Care into health and social care practice supporting positive health and wellbeing outcomes for people.

The award has been designed and developed to support Scotland's National Digital Health and Care Strategy (Scottish Government, 2018). The strategy promotes the concept of supporting people to live, learn, work, participate and flourish in an ever-changing digital society. Workforce education around technology enabled care is one of the key ambitions of the strategy.

This qualification covers areas such as: Technology Enabled Care; Using Digital Technology to support people in Health; Housing and Care Contexts;

Technology Enabled Care: Response; Technology Enabled Care: Installation, Maintenance and Repair; and Technology Enabled Care: Call Handling.

This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some employers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of workshops and self-directed study.

The PDA in Technology Enabled Care at SCQF level 7 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is suitable for the current sector.

It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

The aim of the Professional Development Award in Technology Enabled Care at SCQF level 7 is to equip Scotland's workforce with the knowledge and skills required to embed Technology Enabled Care into health and social care practice ¿ supporting positive health and wellbeing outcomes for people.

Frequently Asked Questions (98 KB)

The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set.

This Award will be of interest to people who are new to or have an interest in technology enabled care and those who are already working in this area who want to develop and advance their knowledge, skills and abilities in this ever-changing field of practice.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

Examples of formal entry qualifications include:

  • SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Social Services and Healthcare or equivalent
  • Experience of working in a technology enabled care service
  • Experience of working in a call/alarm receiving centre or a contact centre such as NHS 24/111
  • Experience of working in health, social care or the housing sector or have an interest in technology enabled care

This award contributes to the progression of candidates in terms of their Continued Professional Development in the field of Digital Health and Care. Candidates may use this award to show future or current employers evidence of their achievements and to enable them to progress in their careers.

Centres interested in offering this qualification must come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide. The specific delivery requirements are set out in the group award specification (arrangements document).

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Each unit is assessed separately.

Assessment will allow candidates to enhance their own practice. The use of reports and projects is crucial to this.

Assessment/e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.

Group Award code:  GR3X 47

Structure

The PDA in Technology Enabled Care at SCQF level 7 consists of one mandatory units and four optional units.