Digital Health and Social Care Foundations

- Overview of digital transformation in health and social care
- Key concepts: eHealth, telehealth, telecare, digital inclusion
- Policy context (e.g. National Health Service Long Term Plan) and the benefits and limitations of digital technologies

Digital Tools in Practice

- Electronic health records and digital care planning
- Telehealth, remote monitoring, and assistive technologies
- Mobile health applications and emerging AI-supported systems
- Professional skills: accurate digital record keeping, confidentiality, and effective digital communication

Digital Inclusion and Person-Centred Care

- Barriers to digital access and digital literacy
- Supporting individuals with diverse needs when using technology
- Professional skills: person-centred communication, advocacy, and adapting communication to individual needs

Academic and Professional Skills

- Academic writing, critical thinking, and using evidence
- Research skills, referencing (Harvard), and academic integrity
- Study skills, reflective practice, teamwork, and professional communication

Assessment 1

Essay

Weighting: 50%

Assesses module learning outcomes 1 and 2.

You will produce a 1000-word essay that demonstrates a theoretical understanding of communication theory; covering communication types, the communication cycle, barriers to communication, and possible methods of overcoming them. It will be applied to a health or social care context.

Rationale: This assignment will demonstrate your understanding of the key theoretical concepts that underpin effective communication in health and social care contexts. This will also provide an opportunity for you to develop your academic writing skills.

Assessment 2

Group Presentation

Weighting: 50%

Assesses module learning outcomes 3 and 4

You will work as part of a group to produce a 15-minute presentation that identifies essential digital tools for use in contemporary health and social care contexts. The presentation will cover how these can be used to benefit service users or deliver service improvements. All group members are expected to contribute equally to this task, and you will be assessed on your ability to collaborate.

Rationale: This assessment will allow you to explore the plethora of digital tools available to service users, patients and practitioners. It will also give you the opportunity to work as part of a team, a vital skill in any health and social care sector.

The module will employ a range of teaching and learning approaches appropriate to Level 4 study, designed to support knowledge acquisition, skills development, and your engagement.

Teaching will include interactive lectures to introduce key concepts and seminars to consolidate understanding through structured discussion. Small group work, case studies, and problem-based learning activities will promote collaboration and application of theory to practice-based contexts.

You will engage in directed independent study, supported by guided reading and resources available via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Digital tools will be used to facilitate learning, communication, and formative assessment activities.

Opportunities for formative feedback, including draft tasks and peer review, will support your academic development and progression. Collectively, these strategies aim to develop your subject knowledge, critical thinking, professional skills, and independent learning appropriate to undergraduate study.

1. Communicate effectively in writing, demonstrating the academic conventions and language required for scholarly contexts.

Communication

2. Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of communication within health and social care settings.

Knowledge and Understanding

3. Identify essential digital skills required for effective practice in health and social care environments.

Digital Literacy

4. Collaboratively use your reasoning skills to examine how digital tools can be used in a health and social care context.

Critical Reasoning and Collaboration



Digital Literacy

4.

A simulation suite to practice communication techniques in a health and social care setting.

Craig, C. and Smyth, G. (2016) Communication Skills for Health and Social Care. 4th edn. London: Learning Matters.

This book is essential for anyone working in the health and social care professions for whom good communication skills are an essential part of their role.

Keeling, S., Williams, S. and Chapman, Y. (2014) How to Write Well: A Guide for Health and Social Care Students. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Good writing skills are essential for studying, but many students find that they struggle to write well. Written especially for health and social care students, this book demystifies academic writing, giving you a better understanding of what good writing looks like, and how to achieve it.

Moss, B. and Tilly, A. (2019) Communication Skills in Health and Social Care. London: Sage.

A great introductory book, supporting students to build knowledge and understanding of communication skills, before they tackle the more theoretical, in-depth and subject-specific literature.

Cottrell, S. (2019). The Study Skills Handbook. 5th edn. London: Red Globe Press.

When it comes to studying, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. This engaging and accessible guide shows students how to tailor their learning to their individual needs in order to boost their grades, build their confidence, and increase their employability.

Greenhalgh, T. (2020). Health Care Technology and Digital Transformation: A UK Perspective. London: Wiley-Blackwell.

This book offers a critical, sociotechnical analysis of digital health implementation, particularly within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). It highlights that digital transformation is not merely technical but deeply social, emphasizing that success depends on human factors, organizational change, and addressing digital exclusion, rather than just technology adoption.

What skills do you need to communicate effectively, use digital tools confidently, and act professionally in health and social care?

Effective communication, digital capability, and professional practice are fundamental to safe, ethical, and person-centred health and social care delivery. This module provides a foundation for developing the core academic, interpersonal, and digital skills required for success in higher education and future professional roles within health and social care settings.

You will explore how clear communication supports positive relationships with individuals, families, and multidisciplinary teams, while also developing the digital and study skills you need for academic success. The module encourages reflective practice and professionalism, helping you to build confidence in your ability to work ethically, collaborate effectively, and support high-quality care in a range of health and social care environments.