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Recent studies within the UK have indicated that there is a need to incorporate patient stories into health records, to improve quality and continuity of care. This is particularly important when treating people with multiple long‐term health conditions (multimorbidity), whose health stories can be particularly complex. The objective of the study was to understand the goals and requirements of people with multimorbidity for digital health storytelling tools. The findings indicate that people living with multimorbidity would use health storytelling tools to understand and reflect on their journeys, convey their experiences to others and advocate for themselves against scepticism. Future research could explore other areas such as collaborative health storytelling or the technical implementation of tools. < Return to resources Patient co-design of digital health storytelling tools for multimorbidity: A phenomenological study Cummings, Marissa, Bradley, Jay and Teal, Gemma Recent studies within the UK have indicated that there is a need to incorporate patient stories into health records, to improve quality and continuity of care. This is particularly important when treating people with multiple long‐term health conditions (multimorbidity), whose health stories can be particularly complex. The objective of the study was to understand the goals and requirements of people with multimorbidity for digital health storytelling tools. The findings indicate that people living with multimorbidity would use health storytelling tools to understand and reflect on their journeys, convey their experiences to others and advocate for themselves against scepticism. Future research could explore other areas such as collaborative health storytelling or the technical implementation of tools. View resource Previous item Next item

This report details the activity and outcomes of a series of design led workshops involving stakeholders of Respiratory services in the NHS Scotland. Participants came from 16 specialists’ areas and 6 different NHS Board areas, giving both a broad geographic and functional reach. The first step for the workshops was to identify common Respiratory patient symptoms, noting their importance. Issues were mapped for each symptom and areas to focus on agreed. Further discussion around these focus areas led to suggestions for sustainable improvement to Respiratory services. These ranged from reducing unnecessary initial, return and follow-up appointments and improving chronic infection and sleep apnoea pathways. Future work will involve national support to ensure the Respiratory community, along with primary care partners are supported to make the necessary changes to ensure efficient and effective patient pathways are achieved. < Return to resources Scottish Access Collaborative: Respiratory Report Porteous, A., Blank, L., Schauberger, U., Smith, P., Brooks, E. This report details the activity and outcomes of a series of design led workshops involving stakeholders of Respiratory services in the NHS Scotland. Participants came from 16 specialists’ areas and 6 different NHS Board areas, giving both a broad geographic and functional reach. The first step for the workshops was to identify common Respiratory patient symptoms, noting their importance. Issues were mapped for each symptom and areas to focus on agreed. Further discussion around these focus areas led to suggestions for sustainable improvement to Respiratory services. These ranged from reducing unnecessary initial, return and follow-up appointments and improving chronic infection and sleep apnoea pathways. Future work will involve national support to ensure the Respiratory community, along with primary care partners are supported to make the necessary changes to ensure efficient and effective patient pathways are achieved. View resource Previous item Next item

This factsheet presents the key point of the skills and capabilities analysis from the full report "Spotlight on Careers in Digital Health and Care", available from: https://doi.org/10.17868/69247. < Return to resources Spotlight on Careers in Digital Health and Care: Skills Heat Map Factsheet Rimpiläinen, Sanna and Morrison, Ciarán and Nielsen, Søren Lange and Rooney, Laura This factsheet presents the key point of the skills and capabilities analysis from the full report "Spotlight on Careers in Digital Health and Care", available from: https://doi.org/10.17868/69247. View resource Previous item Next item

In 2008-2009, the Scottish Government initiated the "Shift the Balance of Care" policy, advocating for a transition of care from hospitals to community settings for more sustainable outcomes. This policy aimed to integrate health and social care services around the citizen, emphasizing a multi-disciplinary community care model. Further, the Chief Medical Officers' Annual Report in 2017 urged the adoption of predictive and proportionate care models, emphasizing citizen co-management and joint decision-making, departing from a paternalistic medical approach. < Return to resources Introduction to the Demonstration & Simulation Environment (DSE) Chute, Chaloner In 2008-2009, the Scottish Government initiated the "Shift the Balance of Care" policy, advocating for a transition of care from hospitals to community settings for more sustainable outcomes. This policy aimed to integrate health and social care services around the citizen, emphasizing a multi-disciplinary community care model. Further, the Chief Medical Officers' Annual Report in 2017 urged the adoption of predictive and proportionate care models, emphasizing citizen co-management and joint decision-making, departing from a paternalistic medical approach. View resource Previous item Next item

Charlotte StoneyResearch Associate < Return to team Charlotte Stoney Research Associate Charlotte is a design researcher with a background in architecture and environmental design, digital health, and community engagement. She specialises in participatory design and stakeholder engagement, leveraging collaborative methodologies to drive innovation, particularly in areas aligned with net zero healthcare and environmentally responsible health systems. Based in Forres, Moray, at The Glasgow School of Art’s Highlands and Islands campus, her work integrates human, environmental, and design perspectives to create sustainable digital solutions for rural communities. Charlotte is passionate about using design to inspire meaningful public engagement and to advance innovation in the digital health and care sector, with a strong focus on supporting more sustainable and net zero healthcare futures. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

The DLS Evaluation Logic Model sets out the Theory of Change underpinning the Digital Lifelines Scotland programme. It maps the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes at both programme and project levels. Designed in collaboration with delivery partners and stakeholders, the logic model highlights key assumptions, external factors, and potential risks. It serves as the foundation for the evaluation’s contribution analysis and performance story, offering a structured framework for understanding and measuring the impact of digital inclusion interventions for people at risk of drug-related harm. < Return to resources Digital Lifelines Scotland – Evaluation Logic Model Perkins, A., Dumbrell, J., Livingston, W., McCluskey, S., Steele, S. The DLS Evaluation Logic Model sets out the Theory of Change underpinning the Digital Lifelines Scotland programme. It maps the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes at both programme and project levels. Designed in collaboration with delivery partners and stakeholders, the logic model highlights key assumptions, external factors, and potential risks. It serves as the foundation for the evaluation’s contribution analysis and performance story, offering a structured framework for understanding and measuring the impact of digital inclusion interventions for people at risk of drug-related harm. View resource Previous item Next item

Brian O’ConnorBoard Member (Industry) < Return to team Brian O’Connor Board Member (Industry) After growing up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Brian developed his career as a consultant, manager and investor. Brian has worked in the UK, US and Hong Kong and has vast experience as a company director in a variety of industries. He is currently providing strategic advice to Governments, International organizations and companies on the challenges facing healthcare in general and specifically on the Connected Health opportunity. Brian created the European Connected Health Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation which connects Governments, Industry, Research Institutes, Health Services, Patient Groups, etc. The Mission is to listen to the needs of patients and citizens and to introduce solutions, to provide better care. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Don McIntyreDesign Director < Return to team Don McIntyre Design Director Working at the junction of design and technology for over 25 years, Don has been involved in the design, development and delivery of digital products and services with companies and organisations across commercial, public and applied research sectors including Virtuality (pioneers of immersive VR), Oyster Partners (now Digitas) The Fraunhofer Institute and Giugiaro. Don divides his time between the School of Innovation and Technology at Glasgow School of Art he is Design Director, the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre where he holds the same title and with various companies as an independent Creative Technologist. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Envision is a digital blueprint for the smart home of the future, developed through the Moray Rural Centre of Excellence as part of the Moray Growth Deal. The project combines digital health and care technologies, low-carbon design and adaptable housing principles to support preventative care, independent living and more sustainable future-ready homes. < Return to projects Envision – a Digital Blueprint for a Smart Home of the Future Project impact Improved health and wellbeing outcomes through preventative care and independent living support Reduced carbon footprint through low-carbon housing and adaptive design Six housing providers exploring adoption in new build and retrofit projects Envision is a digital blueprint for the smart home of the future, developed through the Moray Rural Centre of Excellence as part of the Moray Growth Deal. The project combines digital health and care technologies, low-carbon design and adaptable housing principles to support preventative care, independent living and more sustainable future-ready homes. Developed through the Moray Rural Centre of Excellence, Envision is a digital blueprint for the smart home of the future. The project explores how housing can play a more active role in supporting health, wellbeing and sustainability by bringing together low-carbon design, digital health and care technologies, and adaptable housing principles within a single framework. Designed initially for rural Scotland but applicable across a range of settings, the blueprint supports the development of homes that can generate energy, anticipate care needs and adapt to changing circumstances over time. While presented as a new-build concept, its underlying principles and digital architecture can also be applied to existing housing stock and retrofit programmes. Structured around three core components — the Guide, the Matrix and the Model — Envision provides organisations with practical tools to support the planning, design and delivery of future-ready housing. By positioning housing as preventative infrastructure, the project offers a framework for addressing the interconnected challenges of health demand, climate change and technological change. Summary Envision positions housing as an active contributor to health and wellbeing rather than simply a place to live. By supporting preventative care, independent living and the use of digital technologies within the home, the blueprint demonstrates how housing can help reduce pressure on health and social care services while improving outcomes for residents. The project also contributes to wider sustainability goals through low-carbon design, energy generation and adaptable housing approaches that can evolve alongside occupants over time. By providing a shared framework across housing, health & care, technology and policy, Envision supports a more joined-up approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of health demand, climate change and demographic change. Impact & value The project has produced a comprehensive blueprint framework comprising three core tools. The Guide sets out the evidence base, design principles and supporting narrative; the Matrix provides a phased capability roadmap; and the Model demonstrates an adaptable smart home concept in practice. Developed through collaboration between the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), Moray Council and BE-ST, the blueprint has already attracted interest from housing providers. Six organisations are currently exploring how Envision could be applied within both new-build developments and retrofit projects. Progress to date The next phase of Envision will focus on supporting adoption and piloting activity with housing providers and partners. This includes applying the blueprint within real-world projects, extending its use beyond the initial rural context, and continuing engagement with architects, engineers, digital specialists and policymakers. Work will also continue to refine and promote the Guide, Matrix and Model, alongside the publication of supporting resources to help organisations implement the blueprint within future housing developments. Next steps Partners Project staff Resources Access the Envision SmartHomes Digital Blueprint Previous project Projects index page Next project

Envision: The Digital Blueprint for a Smart Home of the Future is a flagship project within DHI’s Rural Centre of Excellence in Moray. Developed by a multidisciplinary team led by Evolve Capex and Architype, it reimagines the home as an adaptive platform that supports health, wellbeing, sustainability, and lifelong living. Addressing the interconnected challenges of population health, climate change, and technological transformation, the blueprint combines low-carbon design, digital health technologies, and connectivity into a single framework. Through a three-horizon approach, Envision provides a practical roadmap for creating resilient, future-ready homes that can evolve alongside the needs of their occupants and communities. < Return to resources ENVISION: The Digital Blueprint for a Smart Home of the Future Executive Summary : Executive Summary Whoriskey, Margaret and Hughes, Janette Envision: The Digital Blueprint for a Smart Home of the Future is a flagship project within DHI’s Rural Centre of Excellence in Moray. Developed by a multidisciplinary team led by Evolve Capex and Architype, it reimagines the home as an adaptive platform that supports health, wellbeing, sustainability, and lifelong living. Addressing the interconnected challenges of population health, climate change, and technological transformation, the blueprint combines low-carbon design, digital health technologies, and connectivity into a single framework. Through a three-horizon approach, Envision provides a practical roadmap for creating resilient, future-ready homes that can evolve alongside the needs of their occupants and communities. View resource Previous item Next item

Mental health is a complex, dynamic challenge and to support resilience and wellbeing in our communities it is evident from our research this requires a joined-up approach and shared vision. To get a complete picture of the landscape the DHI team engaged in interviews, workshops, and group discussions with a range of stakeholders from healthcare, community and third sector services. The following themes emerged from extensive stakeholder engagement as key needs to be accounted for to enable gold standard community mental health and wellbeing. < Return to resources Community Mental Health Interim Report Brooks, Elizabeth and Stengs, Grant Mental health is a complex, dynamic challenge and to support resilience and wellbeing in our communities it is evident from our research this requires a joined-up approach and shared vision. To get a complete picture of the landscape the DHI team engaged in interviews, workshops, and group discussions with a range of stakeholders from healthcare, community and third sector services. The following themes emerged from extensive stakeholder engagement as key needs to be accounted for to enable gold standard community mental health and wellbeing. View resource Previous item Next item

This report details the activity and outcomes of a series of design-led workshops involving stakeholders of Gynaecology services in NHS Scotland. Participants came from 13 specialists’ areas and 5 different NHS Board areas, giving both a broad geographic and functional reach. The first step for the workshops was to identify common Gynaecology patient symptoms, noting their importance. Issues were mapped for each symptom and areas to focus on agreed upon. Further discussion around these focus areas led to suggestions for sustainable improvement to Gynaecology services. These ranged from additional targeted patient information, virtual consultations for follow-up and dedicated vetting in secondary care to clinical cluster groups, and nationally accepted referral guidelines which are easy to access and follow. Future work will involve national support to ensure the Gynaecology community, along with primary care partners are supported to make the necessary changes to ensure efficient and effective patient pathways are achieved. < Return to resources Scottish Access Collaborative Gynaecology Final Report Porteous, Alex and Blank, Line and Schauberger, Ute and Smith, Paul and Brooks, Elizabeth This report details the activity and outcomes of a series of design-led workshops involving stakeholders of Gynaecology services in NHS Scotland. Participants came from 13 specialists’ areas and 5 different NHS Board areas, giving both a broad geographic and functional reach. The first step for the workshops was to identify common Gynaecology patient symptoms, noting their importance. Issues were mapped for each symptom and areas to focus on agreed upon. Further discussion around these focus areas led to suggestions for sustainable improvement to Gynaecology services. These ranged from additional targeted patient information, virtual consultations for follow-up and dedicated vetting in secondary care to clinical cluster groups, and nationally accepted referral guidelines which are easy to access and follow. Future work will involve national support to ensure the Gynaecology community, along with primary care partners are supported to make the necessary changes to ensure efficient and effective patient pathways are achieved. View resource Previous item Next item

Dave MoretonConsultant Support < Return to team Dave Moreton Consultant Support Dave is the Project Manager for the Digital Products and Services workstream within the Digital Lifelines Scotland programme and works as consultancy support for DHI. He has extensive experience in Project and Programme Management and previous work for DHI includes; Interim Programme Manager for the Rural Centre of Excellence for Digital Health & Care Innovation, and DHI Exchange Process Redesign. Prior to joining DHI Dave worked in Programme and Project Management in the Public and Private Sectors for over 30 years. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

There is a need when introducing new technology in health and social care settings to involve those who will use the technology, or be affected by it, at an early stage of the design process. Experience Labs employ a participatory approach for different stakeholders to share lived experiences, and collaboratively create ideas and solutions for health and social care challenges. In this paper, we propose that the participatory approach of the Experience Labs provides a valuable space for collaboration to explore the potential and impact of supportive technology in rural communities. Initial findings suggest that participating in Experience Labs leads to a better understanding of communities of care as established by individuals and support structures in place, and how these can be mediated by technology. < Return to resources Designing in Rural Highland Contexts: Exploring the Role of Technology in Facilitating Human Connections French, Tara and Blom, Jeroen and Raman, Sneha There is a need when introducing new technology in health and social care settings to involve those who will use the technology, or be affected by it, at an early stage of the design process. Experience Labs employ a participatory approach for different stakeholders to share lived experiences, and collaboratively create ideas and solutions for health and social care challenges. In this paper, we propose that the participatory approach of the Experience Labs provides a valuable space for collaboration to explore the potential and impact of supportive technology in rural communities. Initial findings suggest that participating in Experience Labs leads to a better understanding of communities of care as established by individuals and support structures in place, and how these can be mediated by technology. View resource Previous item Next item

This landscape review examines international initiatives for assessing mobile health and wellbeing apps, identifying seven key quality parameters across initiatives. Among them, 'Privacy/Data protection', 'Credible sources/Evidence-based information', and 'Functionality' are highly represented. The UK-based Digital Assessment Questions (DAQs) cover all parameters comprehensively, making them recommended for assessing health and wellbeing apps for mPower interventions. < Return to resources International Practice on Digital Apps Nielsen, Søren Lange This landscape review examines international initiatives for assessing mobile health and wellbeing apps, identifying seven key quality parameters across initiatives. Among them, 'Privacy/Data protection', 'Credible sources/Evidence-based information', and 'Functionality' are highly represented. The UK-based Digital Assessment Questions (DAQs) cover all parameters comprehensively, making them recommended for assessing health and wellbeing apps for mPower interventions. View resource Previous item Next item

Roma MaguireBoard Member < Return to team Roma Maguire Board Member Roma Maguire is a Deputy Associate Principal and Professor of Digital Health and Care at the University of Strathclyde. She also serves as the Director of the cross-University Health and Care Futures initiative, and holds an Honorary Professorial position in digital health at NHS Lanarkshire. In recognition of her contributions to healthcare research, she was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours list. Her research is at the forefront of Digital Health, Remote Patient Monitoring, Human-Centric AI, Supportive Care, Patient Experience, Evaluation and Implementation Science. She has a significant track record in the co-design, development, evaluation, and implementation of innovative, person-centred remote patient monitoring systems. These systems are designed to optimise symptom management, enhance self-care, and improve overall quality of life. Her expertise covers a broad spectrum of clinical specialties, including cancer, dementia, cardiac and respiratory diseases, and palliative and end-of-life care. She has led numerous multi-site studies in supportive care and digital health, both within the UK and across Europe, establishing herself as a leading figure in advancing health and care through technology and research. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

SCOTCAP is a potential new NHS Scotland service for delivering video capsule endoscopy which would replace or complement existing colonoscopy services. A trial is currently being run in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland between NHS Highlands and Corporate Health. This report is the result of a single design workshop to look at the experience of those staff delivering the trial and future service and those patients that have taken part in the ongoing SCOTCAP trial. The material presented and discussed at the workshop resulted from a review of existing documentation on a potential video endoscopy service in Scotland. The workshop was attended by two GPs from rural practices who have trialled capsule endoscopy, two nursing staff (one from NHS Scotland and one from Corporate Health), two patients who have taken part in the trial and a further representative from Corporate Health. < Return to resources SCOTCAP Bradley, Jay and Blom, Jeroen SCOTCAP is a potential new NHS Scotland service for delivering video capsule endoscopy which would replace or complement existing colonoscopy services. A trial is currently being run in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland between NHS Highlands and Corporate Health. This report is the result of a single design workshop to look at the experience of those staff delivering the trial and future service and those patients that have taken part in the ongoing SCOTCAP trial. The material presented and discussed at the workshop resulted from a review of existing documentation on a potential video endoscopy service in Scotland. The workshop was attended by two GPs from rural practices who have trialled capsule endoscopy, two nursing staff (one from NHS Scotland and one from Corporate Health), two patients who have taken part in the trial and a further representative from Corporate Health. View resource Previous item Next item

Formal report on the DHI's Clinical Decision Support Systems projects in 2016. < Return to resources The Digital Health and Care Institute CDSS-related projects and abstracts Rimpiläinen, Sanna Formal report on the DHI's Clinical Decision Support Systems projects in 2016. View resource Previous item Next item

This plan describes the evolution, substance and intended implementation of DHI’s refreshed approach to commercial industry engagement. It aims to help more Scottish SMEs, start-ups and spin outs take their innovations to health and social care markets through focusing on Top Tier suppliers to the NHS and social care providers as their key customers. This approach will enable more SMEs to commercialise and scale in Scotland, and access overseas markets; Scottish Health and Social Care providers to access more de-risked innovations; Scotland’s citizens to benefit from deployment of innovative products and services; and Top Tier Suppliers to address gaps in their innovation pipeline. < Return to resources DHI Industry Engagement Plan 2024 – 2027 Lyons, Abigail and MacKenzie, Moira This plan describes the evolution, substance and intended implementation of DHI’s refreshed approach to commercial industry engagement. It aims to help more Scottish SMEs, start-ups and spin outs take their innovations to health and social care markets through focusing on Top Tier suppliers to the NHS and social care providers as their key customers. This approach will enable more SMEs to commercialise and scale in Scotland, and access overseas markets; Scottish Health and Social Care providers to access more de-risked innovations; Scotland’s citizens to benefit from deployment of innovative products and services; and Top Tier Suppliers to address gaps in their innovation pipeline. View resource Previous item Next item

This report details Canada's journey towards its national Electronic Health Record (EHR) system from 2001 to 2015. This involved choosing hub-and-spoke repositories over decentralised, point-to-point exchange systems like Estonia did. Canada's approach also includes strategic investment by Infoway, shared governance with deputy ministers of health, and collaborative efforts to administer federal funds, reducing long-term costs and implementation time. < Return to resources Canadian Journey to a National Electronic Health Record Rimpiläinen, Sanna This report details Canada's journey towards its national Electronic Health Record (EHR) system from 2001 to 2015. This involved choosing hub-and-spoke repositories over decentralised, point-to-point exchange systems like Estonia did. Canada's approach also includes strategic investment by Infoway, shared governance with deputy ministers of health, and collaborative efforts to administer federal funds, reducing long-term costs and implementation time. View resource Previous item Next item