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A case study of the Digital Health & Care Institute and its new innovation model for the delivery of digital health and care in Scotland, joining co-design and patient-centred care through academic, business and citizen involvement in 2016. The DHI's mission is to revolutionize health and care delivery in Scotland by fostering innovation, generating ideas, and creating a new digital health and care economy. Operating on a triple-helix innovation model, DHI facilitates exploratory, laboratory, and factory phases, supporting nearly 90 research and development projects since its inception in October 2013. < Return to resources A new culture of innovation in Scotland - the case for Digital Health & Care Institute: an example of a new innovation model for the delivery of digital health and care in Scotland Rimpiläinen, Sanna and Dedeu, Toni and Boyle, Joanne and Faulds, Brendan and Arnell, Grace and Arias, Veronica and Chute, Chaloner A case study of the Digital Health & Care Institute and its new innovation model for the delivery of digital health and care in Scotland, joining co-design and patient-centred care through academic, business and citizen involvement in 2016. The DHI's mission is to revolutionize health and care delivery in Scotland by fostering innovation, generating ideas, and creating a new digital health and care economy. Operating on a triple-helix innovation model, DHI facilitates exploratory, laboratory, and factory phases, supporting nearly 90 research and development projects since its inception in October 2013. View resource Previous item Next item

This paper describes the findings of a participatory-design project focussed on the use of modern, digital technologies to support people and their carer(s) in particular to improve access to services, better co-ordinate services and to make support packages more resilient. Design activities included a focus group and three participatory design workshops with health and care professionals, and several interviews with unpaid carers in Moray. The findings are presented as design concepts and insights that should help health and care delivery including supporting unpaid carers. The paper contributes four concepts alongside insights from unpaid carers. The concepts are at the time of writing being developed for future use in the region and the paper therefore describes the process of procuring simulated healthcare services to increase learning and improve the adoption of innovative service changes. The resulting commissioned innovative services, and long-lasting benefits of the service innovation, should economically benefit Moray. < Return to resources Participatory design of service innovation to support people and their carers in Moray Bradley, Jay., Joseph, Sonya Lizbeth., Shore, Linda, Harkis, Marlene. This paper describes the findings of a participatory-design project focussed on the use of modern, digital technologies to support people and their carer(s) in particular to improve access to services, better co-ordinate services and to make support packages more resilient. Design activities included a focus group and three participatory design workshops with health and care professionals, and several interviews with unpaid carers in Moray. The findings are presented as design concepts and insights that should help health and care delivery including supporting unpaid carers. The paper contributes four concepts alongside insights from unpaid carers. The concepts are at the time of writing being developed for future use in the region and the paper therefore describes the process of procuring simulated healthcare services to increase learning and improve the adoption of innovative service changes. The resulting commissioned innovative services, and long-lasting benefits of the service innovation, should economically benefit Moray. View resource Previous item Next item

Angus McCannBoard Member (Industry) < Return to team Angus McCann Board Member (Industry) Angus is a non-executive director of NHS Lothian, chairs the board’s Finance & Resources Committee and sits on its Planning Performance and Development Committee. As such, he provides scrutiny of the board’s activities and strategy. He is a former chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board and of the Midlothian IJB. He is vice-chair of trustees for the NHS Lothian Charity. He is also a co-opted member of two technology-related committees of NHS Education for Scotland. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Welcome to DHI's new blog series on citizen-centered data sharing! With the new General Data Protection Regulations and developments like Norway's national identifier, data sharing is evolving rapidly. This series will explore the changing landscape of data sharing and advocate for person-centered approaches. We'll examine successful examples from European regions and conclude with insights on how Scotland can learn from these experiences. Stay tuned for valuable perspectives on this crucial topic! < Return to resources Citizen-centred Data Sharing : What Does It Mean and Why Do We Need It? Rooney, Laura Welcome to DHI's new blog series on citizen-centered data sharing! With the new General Data Protection Regulations and developments like Norway's national identifier, data sharing is evolving rapidly. This series will explore the changing landscape of data sharing and advocate for person-centered approaches. We'll examine successful examples from European regions and conclude with insights on how Scotland can learn from these experiences. Stay tuned for valuable perspectives on this crucial topic! View resource Previous item Next item

Anna WhyteProject Support Officer < Return to team Anna Whyte Project Support Officer Anna holds a BSc with honours in Applied Pharmacology and Biochemistry and has a background in research and laboratory work. With a deep-seated passion for science and research, Anna is enthusiastic about engaging with the Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster team, where she contributes to the expanding connections between technology and healthcare. In her role, Anna is responsible for supporting, developing, and managing the ongoing activities of the Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Preparing Scotland’s workforce to respond to the digital and technical revolution. < Return to projects FUTUREquipped Project impact 78% of participating students gained their first opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary learning 65% net increase in lecturers’ perceived ability to design their curriculum in response to industry needs 500+ students engaged in learning experiences relating to smart housing, future skills, innovation and person-centric design Preparing Scotland’s workforce to respond to the digital and technical revolution. Twenty-seven lecturers from thirteen colleges across 3 disciplines participated in the project and, through this medium, FUTUREquipped participants were introduced to the latest developments in digitally enabled health and care and construction practices. They were then asked to collaboratively develop new teaching modules to integrate learnings from this pilot into respective college courses. Summary Smart Housing integrates multiple cutting-edge domains to create innovative living environments that enhance the quality of life through technology. This approach combines technology-enabled health and care, which focuses on providing remote health monitoring and personalised care solutions, with augmented and virtual reality to offer immersive experiences that support well-being and independent living. Additionally, Smart Housing incorporates advanced construction methods and off-site technologies, allowing for more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable building processes. Sensor technology plays a crucial role by continuously monitoring various aspects of the home environment, such as energy usage, safety, and health indicators, ensuring that residents live in a safe, comfortable, and responsive space. Data gathered from these sensors and other technologies is then analysed to optimise the functionality of the home, providing insights that can further enhance the living experience and support the development of future smart housing solutions. Impact & value DHI and the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) acted as hubs to deliver the programme. Digital, robotic and off-site construction technologies were available in CSIC’s Innovation Factory in Hamilton, whilst the DHI gave the project participants access to their Demonstration and Simulation Environment (DSE). The DSE allowed participants to test and showcase emerging health and care technologies, and simulate the integration of these technologies and data flows. Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources FUTUREquipped SMART Housing Unit Descriptor for 'Understanding SMART Homes from a Construction, Information and Communication Technology, and Health and Care Perspective': SCQF Level 6 ICT Sector : [Learning Materials - FUTUREquipped Project] Health and Care Sector : [Learning Materials - FUTUREquipped Project] Metaskills : [Learning Materials - FUTUREquipped Project] Construction Sector : [Learning Materials - FUTUREquipped Project] College Development Network, FUTUREquipped promotional video [YouTube] Scottish Funding Council, FUTUREquipped promotional video [YouTube] Previous project Projects index page Next project

The project aimed to explore the landscape of mental health services in Scotland, seeking input from various stakeholders including individuals with lived experience, families, carers, and service providers. Design researchers collaborated with people with lived experience to understand their journey of seeking, experiencing, and thriving with support. Short public engagement events were conducted to gather insights from a diverse range of individuals, leading to the emergence of a new concept for a digital resource supporting mental health access. Partnerships with the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, NHS 24, Mydex CIC, and Tactuum were instrumental in informing the development of digital mental health services by NHS 24. < Return to resources Mental Health Innovation French, Tara and Teal, Gemma The project aimed to explore the landscape of mental health services in Scotland, seeking input from various stakeholders including individuals with lived experience, families, carers, and service providers. Design researchers collaborated with people with lived experience to understand their journey of seeking, experiencing, and thriving with support. Short public engagement events were conducted to gather insights from a diverse range of individuals, leading to the emergence of a new concept for a digital resource supporting mental health access. Partnerships with the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, NHS 24, Mydex CIC, and Tactuum were instrumental in informing the development of digital mental health services by NHS 24. View resource Previous item Next item

This is an article published in FutureScot magazine in June 2022 reporting on an extensive review of the Scottish education landscape carried out by the DHI, and its potential to support the digital transformation of health and care in Scotland. The review found that all the right ingredients to support the digital transformation of health and care in Scotland are in place, but not yet appropriately connected to do so. The review also found that health and care staff are still largely being trained to work in the non-digital work context. < Return to resources Future healthcare staff still ‘largely being trained to work in the non-digital world’, review finds . Rimpiläinen, S This is an article published in FutureScot magazine in June 2022 reporting on an extensive review of the Scottish education landscape carried out by the DHI, and its potential to support the digital transformation of health and care in Scotland. The review found that all the right ingredients to support the digital transformation of health and care in Scotland are in place, but not yet appropriately connected to do so. The review also found that health and care staff are still largely being trained to work in the non-digital work context. View resource Previous item Next item

Summarisation of documents of high importance for the business case. < Return to resources Summary of NHS Scotland (NHSS) procurement strategies Morrison, Ciarán Summarisation of documents of high importance for the business case. View resource Previous item Next item

Marie SimpsonProgramme Manager < Return to team Marie Simpson Programme Manager Marie joined DHI in May 2022 as Programme Manager for the Rural Centre of Excellence, one of eight projects within the Moray Growth Deal. Based in Moray, she has worked for the last 32 years as an Occupational Therapist across Social Care and mental health, with service development responsibility for an Independent Living Centre, and a Technology Enabled Care Programme. She brings a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing clinicians and citizens within health and care services in a rural community. She is passionate about the difference digital technology can make to both the sustainability of services and health and wellbeing outcomes for citizens and the importance of getting those right through engaging with the community to identify problems and opportunities and working together to co-design person-centred solutions. Marie is excited at the innovative and transformational opportunities the Moray Growth Deal brings to her own community, and the chance to put Moray on the map as an internationally recognised centre for digital health and care innovation which contributes to the region’s economic sustainability and growth. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Education Scotland is committed to supporting educators and learners. We provide targeted support to schools with the greatest need as part of the Scottish Government’s refreshed The Scottish Attainment Challenge programme, and we work directly with local authorities to provide bespoke support. We are working closely with stakeholders to implement the curriculum recommendations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and are helping to develop curriculum design capacity in each Regional Improvement Collaborative (RIC). We have also committed to carrying out a national thematic inspection focusing on curriculum. Education Scotland has an important role in supporting the continuing implementation and development of Scotland’s Curriculum to ensure that its aspirations for all learners in Scotland are met and that it enables Scotland’s learners to gain the knowledge, skills and attributes needed for life in the 21st century. Visit Partner's website Previous Item Next Item

Game Jam employed a participatory design approach to identify opportunities for an interactive game-based learning tool and, to co-design this with young people with learning disabilities for educating them on internet and social media safety. The project involved a sequential series of Experience Labs with the young people and trainers, which spanned a period of five months. Game Jam was carried out in partnership with the Midlothian Council and the University of the West of Scotland. Using an iterative design approach, four game concepts were co-created by participants and shared in the form of low fidelity prototypes. The final game concept was based on a consolidation of ideas from the four concepts to align with the participants’ preferences and incorporated training themes. < Return to resources Game Jam: Co-designing a Game-based Learning Tool on Internet and Social Media Safety with Young People with Learning Disabilities Raman, Sneha and French, Tara Game Jam employed a participatory design approach to identify opportunities for an interactive game-based learning tool and, to co-design this with young people with learning disabilities for educating them on internet and social media safety. The project involved a sequential series of Experience Labs with the young people and trainers, which spanned a period of five months. Game Jam was carried out in partnership with the Midlothian Council and the University of the West of Scotland. Using an iterative design approach, four game concepts were co-created by participants and shared in the form of low fidelity prototypes. The final game concept was based on a consolidation of ideas from the four concepts to align with the participants’ preferences and incorporated training themes. View resource Previous item Next item

Technology has played a key role in enabling public health to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic at a pace and scale never seen before. The DHI assisted with development of two new digital services to enable testing and contact tracing at scale. The innovative methods for development of digital health tools included adopting an iterative approach, addressing the situational requirements posed by COVID-19, and democratising technology for purposes of pandemic control. A National Notification Service (NNS) for automation of delivery and feedback (if results messages were viewed) was developed and adopted by five of the 14 health boards in Scotland, processing over 7 million results since inception. The Simple Tracing Tools (STT) is an open-platform web-based app that is designed for data entry by contact tracing teams. STT was adopted by all local health protection teams and informed development of the national case management system. < Return to resources Using Innovation to Develop Digital Tools for Public Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Mark, Kate, Bradley, Jay, Chute, Chaloner, Sumpter, Colin, Adil, Mahmood and Crooks, George Technology has played a key role in enabling public health to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic at a pace and scale never seen before. The DHI assisted with development of two new digital services to enable testing and contact tracing at scale. The innovative methods for development of digital health tools included adopting an iterative approach, addressing the situational requirements posed by COVID-19, and democratising technology for purposes of pandemic control. A National Notification Service (NNS) for automation of delivery and feedback (if results messages were viewed) was developed and adopted by five of the 14 health boards in Scotland, processing over 7 million results since inception. The Simple Tracing Tools (STT) is an open-platform web-based app that is designed for data entry by contact tracing teams. STT was adopted by all local health protection teams and informed development of the national case management system. View resource Previous item Next item

Grant Reilly CMktr FCIMHead of Communications & Marketing < Return to team Grant Reilly CMktr FCIM Head of Communications & Marketing Grant is a Chartered Marketer, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and member of the Marketing Society, with over 20 years of leadership and management experience in high-performing communications teams within the sport, charity, higher education and recruitment sectors. He is a Type 1 diabetic and keen user of digital health and social care solutions, that empower him to be accountable, make informed decisions and improve the management of his condition. He is a Trustee and advisor to Lochlan's Legacy. Grant leads our communications team and is responsible for all Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) branding, digital marketing, public relations and events, including the global #DigiInventors Challenge. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Scottish Development International promotes Scotland as a place for investment and trade. With a network of more than 30 global offices, you'll find a local Scottish Development International contact who can help you do business with Scotland – whether that’s supporting your investment in Scotland or helping you partner with Scottish companies. Visit Partner's website Previous Item Next Item

SUMIT (Substance Use and Mental Health Interventions using Digital Technology) is a €6.8m project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) < Return to projects The SUMIT project Project impact Addresses shared challenges such as poverty, stigma, and limited access to treatment for people with substance use and mental health issues. Combines expertise from academic research, digital innovation, frontline services, and lived experience to co-create effective solutions. Promotes digital inclusion by embedding trauma-informed practices, building digital skills, and fostering trust and confidence. SUMIT (Substance Use and Mental Health Interventions using Digital Technology) is a €6.8m project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) The SUMIT (Substance Use and Mental Health Interventions using Digital Technology) project is a cross-border initiative funded by the PEACEPLUS programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Led by Queen’s University Belfast Communities and Place (QCAP), in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, DHI, the University of St Andrews, and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), SUMIT aims to improve access to care for people with substance use and mental health challenges. Over four years, the project will co-develop digital tools with five core and eight associate partners across Ireland and Northern Ireland. These tools will enhance existing health and social care services for 1,500 individuals by providing digital devices, connectivity, and human support to improve engagement and self-management. SUMIT also supports organisations in embedding digital approaches into service delivery by building digital skills, promoting trauma-informed practices, and fostering trust and confidence. DHI will lead the digital design and implementation, using collaborative design methods to identify local challenges and co-create effective solutions. Summary The SUMIT project tackles shared challenges —such as poverty, stigma, and limited access to treatment—by integrating academic research, digital innovation, frontline expertise, and lived and living experience. In response to mounting pressures on health and social care systems, SUMIT will offer scalable, digital solutions to improve access, inclusion, and long-term outcomes for individuals with substance use and mental health challenges. Across Ireland and Northern Ireland, health strategies emphasise the urgent need to transform service delivery amid rising demand, workforce shortages, and deepening inequalities. People affected by addiction and mental health issues often face compounded exclusion—waiting lists, lack of crisis support, and systemic barriers rooted in stigma, poverty, and poor health. SUMIT addresses these challenges by piloting co-designed digital tools within a cross-border testbed. These tools will inform future models of digitally enabled care, contributing to policy development and healthcare transformation across both jurisdictions. Impact & value Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources Industry Briefing Webinar Resources Supporting people with substance use and mental health challenges through digital innovation On behalf of its partners, DHI is seeking to identify 3 digital products or services which address key challenges for local services and service users. The total budget is £550,000 and the selected digital health solutions will be active with services until November 2028 and be available for deployment across sites in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Technology companies were invited to attend a 90-minute online Breakfast Briefing on Tuesday 31 March. Access the resources below to explore the slides from our recent industry briefing webinar and more information on the opportunity. SUMIT Industry Briefing Slidedeck PDF SUMIT Pre Market Previous project Projects index page Next project

This report summarises key themes emerging from interviews with strategic stakeholders across Scotland’s health and social care, about current state and future development needs for the specialist data, information and knowledge workforce. Associated with "Our Time to Shine" report. < Return to resources Emergent Themes from Consultation with Strategic Stakeholders Appendix 3 Digital Health & Care Institute & Wales, Ann This report summarises key themes emerging from interviews with strategic stakeholders across Scotland’s health and social care, about current state and future development needs for the specialist data, information and knowledge workforce. Associated with "Our Time to Shine" report. View resource Previous item Next item

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