Developing ‘Virtual Developing ‘Virtual Communities’ within Communities’ within

CAMHS servicesCAMHS services

Developing ‘Virtual Developing ‘Virtual Communities’ within Communities’ within

CAMHS servicesCAMHS servicesMark Johnson – Director of Informatics – Mark Johnson – Director of Informatics –

Mental Health StrategiesMental Health StrategiesAtif Ali – Project Manager, Greater Atif Ali – Project Manager, Greater

Manchester CAMHS Joint Commissioning Manchester CAMHS Joint Commissioning TeamTeam

Greater Manchester CAMHS Community

Characteristics• Wide geographical spread• Multi-agency • Wide range of access to

technology• Multi-disciplinary• Multiple range of interest areas

Identified community needs

• Secure areas• Easily accessible• Discussion forum• Document library• Shared contact

lists

• Shared ‘service development’ – projects

• Planning tools• Enhanced

communication• Relatively cheap

‘Virtual Community’ solution

• Multi-agency/disciplinary

• https (128bit encryption)

• Runs on any WWW and NWW platform (browser)

• Discussion forum• Shared ‘drive’• Shared contacts

• Transparent and visible

• Very simple to use• Shared project

management• Very cost effective • Managed

Implementation -OITIM

(Synder-Halpen 2001)

Admin / Management• Need for practical

support• Pivotal role in

building links• Efficiency is the

key• keeping everyone

updated

• Communication =

Success• Meetings without

the venue• Spreading the

Good word

Processes / Resources• Mind the GAP• Promote Learning• Sharing good

practice• Building a CAMHS

knowledge base

• Varying range of It equipment

• Knowledge & Skill levels

• Inputting extra resources

• Training & development needs

Values / Knowledge• Developed

alongside clinical network

• Multidisciplinary• User led • Builds upon local

developments

• National agenda (NSF’s)

• CAMHS identity with host service

• Regional necessity to enhance collaboration / communication

End Users / Technology• Varied range of IT

skills• Professional

boundaries• Initial Scepticism• Competing priorities• Operationalise

community processes

• Increased access to WWW

• NHS and Social Care Firewalls

• Use of community outside normal work environment

• Software reporting• Software supplier

Staff Handbooks

Staff Process Guides

Front Screen

Shared documents

Shared contacts

Discussion Board

Issues and Inbox

Project Planning

Questions?Questions?Questions?Questions?