The Learning Network www.kmsslearningnetwork.nhs.uk is an on-line network, commissioned by South East Coast Strategic Health Authority to provide a virtual platform to support NHS members across the region. It is a collaborative website to promote shared learning and experiences and enable members to engage with other health professionals, local authorities, PCT Clusters in Kent, Sussex and Surrey and Clinical Commissioning Groups."The Learning Network is a brilliant resource that will really help us to deliver on our priorities over the coming year. It will also help us to engage with colleagues from a wide range of roles and locations in an innovative way," Julia Ross, Programme Director Commissioning Development, said.
Chatham-based Netsite, which has built a reputation for leading-edge projects for the NHS, used a new platform called Collabor8tor for The Learning Network.
Netsite MD Paul Duthoit explained: “The Learning Network is vibrant, innovative, flexible and, most importantly, secure and easy to use. We're delighted to have been involved in this project with South East Coast Strategic Health Authority and are looking forward to working with other similar organisations.”
Key features of The Learning Network are:
• Secure access - Members must register to use the site, and there are different user levels depending on job role and different criteria.
• Ease of use - The platform is intuitive, easy to navigate, and find information and people.
• Social network tools - These enable members to create dynamic profiles, invite others into their network, share information, views and experiences as well as set up forums and groups.
• Learning centre - This includes signposting, information and news. Members can upload and view video content, news, podcasts and webcasts securely. There is also a web seminar and conferencing feature.
• Development support directory - populated with course providers and costs.
Netsite recently completed a number of other successful NHS projects using Collabor8tor, including the Clinical Network for NHS West Kent and the Healthy Passport Club.
Emma Cain, Community Involvement Manager for NHS West Kent, said: “The idea behind the Healthy Passport Club website was to use social media to help people collaborate and communicate their way to a healthier lifestyle. It's a ground-breaking project that uses social media and social media applications. From the outside, the site looks simple to use but aspects like the passports, which are unique to each person who registers, were complex to develop.
“The look and feel of the site was also important and the design needed to be fun and engaging, while complementing the national Change4Life programme. We are delighted with the result.”
Collabor8tor can be completely customised and also used by organisations with large numbers of members or customers who want to form on-line communities.
Netsite’s Paul Duthoit explains: “It's called managed social networking – we're creating a platform with controlled access that enables groups of employees and customers to collaborate and improve services.“
There are two versions of Collabor8tor. One designed for clubs, charities, not-for-profit, associations and local organisations. The other version is for companies, businesses. For more info go to www.collabor8tor.co.uk Demos can be arranged by phoning 01634 880800.