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ROOT newsletter - January 2026

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January 2026

Updates on the RCSLT Online Outcome Tool

Dear [#First name#]

We are getting in touch with the latest updates from the ROOT. You are receiving this newsletter as the lead contact for ROOT at your organisation. Please share with any colleagues you think may also be interested. You can easily forward this email by clicking the 'Forward to a Friend' button at the top of this email.

New to the ROOT

Over the past few weeks, you may have noticed several updates and new features appearing on the ROOT. Here are some of the key changes:

New features added to the dashboard: You can now download the content from several dashboard widgets by exporting to PDF or copying it to your clipboard at the touch of a button.
Compare outcomes with services in your nation in the reports: In addition to comparing outcomes with services across the UK, you can now choose to compare specifically with services within your own nation.
‘Closed episodes’ widget: A new dashboard widget that gives you an at a glance view of the total number of episodes of care closed by you and your colleagues. You can view this by month or by year.
‘Ratings added’ widget: This new feature shows the total number of TOM ratings added across your service, with a breakdown of start, interim and final ratings. As with the closed episodes widget, you can view this by month or by year.

Please continue to look out for further updates in the coming weeks. We will share details of any new features via the ROOT news widget on your dashboard.

For a refresher on how to run reports and customise your dashboard, you can watch our short training videos here.

Changes to the importer

In 2025, we introduced an upgraded data importer for the ROOT while keeping the old version available to support a gradual transition. From February, all users who import data will need to use the new version as the old version will be retired. To support you, don’t forget we have training videos available on the ROOT. If you have any questions or need help with the switch, please contact root@rcslt.org.

Update on COVID-19 and Long COVID Datasets

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a dedicated dataset and tool to help SLTs with capturing data on the management of patients with confirmed and suspected COVID-19. In 2022, we introduced a long COVID dataset to capture outcomes for people experiencing ongoing symptoms. These datasets are no longer in active use, and we are planning to retire both datasets in summer 2026. We wanted to give you advance notice of this change. If this affects you, we will be in touch directly. In the meantime, if you have any feedback on this proposal, please contact root@rcslt.org.

New Digital and Data Skills e‑Learning – Featuring ROOT Case Study

In November 2025, a new e‑learning programme, Digital and Data Foundations: practical skills for UK AHPs, was launched via the NHS England Digital Academy. This free resource is designed to help UK AHPs, including SLTs, develop essential digital and data skills at any career stage. The programme includes a case study showcasing how NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde used the ROOT to improve TOM data collection and reporting in their adult acute SLT service. Click here for more information about the e-learning and how to access it.

Collecting information about deprivation

We are aware that the English and Welsh indices of multiple deprivation have recently been updated. We will be contacting services who are collecting these on ROOT about transitioning to the updated data. Other services are reminded that deprivation decile is one of several optional fields that they can choose to collect on ROOT. More information here.

Using updated TOM scales
Following an initial transition period, after the publication of the new Therapy Outcome Measure Handbook last year, SLTs opening a new episode of care on ROOT will now be expected to use the new versions of the following scales:

3. Autistic Spectrum Disorder
32. Laryngectomy/surgical voice restoration
58. Trans, non-binary, and gender diverse services

It will still be possible to close episodes of care opened using the 2019 versions or upload data based on these. Click here for more information.

Come along to our next drop in: Tuesday 10 February 1-2pm
We hold drop-in sessions on Microsoft Teams on a monthly basis. These are a great way to meet the team and learn more about the ROOT. We will be on hand to answer any questions you may have whether you’re early on in your ROOT journey or a long time user wondering how to get the most out of your data. Join the Teams meeting here.

Thank you for your support. As always, we invite you to let us know what you think. Click the yellow ‘Leave Feedback’ button at the bottom of any page on the ROOT to send us your comments or suggestions, or contact root@rcslt.org.

Warm wishes,

The RCSLT Outcomes Team 
Kathryn Moyse, Outcomes and Informatics Manager  
Sarah Lambert, Research and Outcomes Officer  
Charli Nixon, Project Assistant    

Don’t forget that the RCSLT team is here to support you with using your ROOT reports. If you’d like help interpreting your data, understanding your findings, or making the most of the reporting tools, please get in touch. We’re always happy to talk through your questions and help you use ROOT insights to support your service.

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