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On 4 June 2025, leading experts, clinicians, policymakers, patient advocates from across NHS Scottish Government, academic , research and Industry gathered for a thought leadership event exploring global collaboration in diabetes innovation, research and system transformation. Hosted by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) in partnership with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Lemonmint, the event explored with senior leaders’ opportunities for global collaboration in diabetes innovation, research and system transformation. < Return to resources Transforming Diabetes Care through Innovation: Leveraging Scotland’s Collaborative Ecosystem Thought Leadership Event Summary Report Michelle Brogan & Janette Hughes On 4 June 2025, leading experts, clinicians, policymakers, patient advocates from across NHS Scottish Government, academic , research and Industry gathered for a thought leadership event exploring global collaboration in diabetes innovation, research and system transformation. Hosted by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) in partnership with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Lemonmint, the event explored with senior leaders’ opportunities for global collaboration in diabetes innovation, research and system transformation. View resource Previous item Next item

Joanne BoyleHead of Engagement < Return to team Joanne Boyle Head of Engagement Joanne has worked in both health and social care and has operational and strategic expertise across all major care groupings at local and national levels. She qualified originally as an Occupational Therapist but has gone on to work as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Coach and is passionate about the human factors in change management. Technology has been an integral part of all of her roles and she believes strongly in its ability to transform people’s lives. Joanne joined DHI in its inception and has proactively supported its continuous development. She is part of the senior management team and is responsible for stakeholder and collaboration management between academic, business and civic partners. Civic partners include health, local authorities and the third sector. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

This document contains microlearning units to explore the various aspects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the context of SMART Homes. Developed by lecturers involved in the FUTUREquipped project (2018), the learning materials cover topics such as the role of the Internet of Everything, automated medicine alert systems, ethical considerations for programmers, and sensor interfaces in SMART Homes. All materials are accessible to learners under the Creative Commons license. < Return to resources ICT Sector: Learning Materials - FUTUREquipped Project FUTUREquipped Project This document contains microlearning units to explore the various aspects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the context of SMART Homes. Developed by lecturers involved in the FUTUREquipped project (2018), the learning materials cover topics such as the role of the Internet of Everything, automated medicine alert systems, ethical considerations for programmers, and sensor interfaces in SMART Homes. All materials are accessible to learners under the Creative Commons license. View resource Previous item Next item

Conditions for providing care in healthcare are constantly changing. The demographic of the population is evolving, service institutions are expanding, and our knowledge of both disease and condition management is exponentially rising. Through the last decades, healthcare providers have become more efficient, the patients are spending less time in hospitals, and we have new and better management strategies for diseases. However, the costs for care provision are rising and will continue to rise unless we change fundamentally the way we are providing care. This abstract offers an insight into current research activity exploring the management of chronic pain in Scotland, with discussion of initial findings. < Return to resources Chronic Pain Management: Review of current practice against a standardised systematic approach Hepburn, Leigh-Anne and Jaatun, Ellen Conditions for providing care in healthcare are constantly changing. The demographic of the population is evolving, service institutions are expanding, and our knowledge of both disease and condition management is exponentially rising. Through the last decades, healthcare providers have become more efficient, the patients are spending less time in hospitals, and we have new and better management strategies for diseases. However, the costs for care provision are rising and will continue to rise unless we change fundamentally the way we are providing care. This abstract offers an insight into current research activity exploring the management of chronic pain in Scotland, with discussion of initial findings. View resource Previous item Next item

While there are examples of resources that promote online safety for people with learning disabilities, young people, carers, and practitioners in one area of Scotland have indicated the necessity to have a centralised and interactive resource to encourage people to develop online safety skills and understand how to stay healthy and safe online. These are primarily physical resources such as worksheets, slides, and booklets with limited interactive content. In this paper we discuss an alternative approach that uses an immersive games-based learning tool to train and influence the behaviour of young people with learning disabilities. The online safety tool has potential to help community, acute health/social workers or guardians educate and monitor the online vulnerability and safety of a young person with a learning disability. < Return to resources Using Games Based Learning to Support Young People with Learning Disabilities Stay Safe Online Usoro, Idong, and Connolly, Thomas and Raman, Sneha and French, Tara and Caulfield, Stuart While there are examples of resources that promote online safety for people with learning disabilities, young people, carers, and practitioners in one area of Scotland have indicated the necessity to have a centralised and interactive resource to encourage people to develop online safety skills and understand how to stay healthy and safe online. These are primarily physical resources such as worksheets, slides, and booklets with limited interactive content. In this paper we discuss an alternative approach that uses an immersive games-based learning tool to train and influence the behaviour of young people with learning disabilities. The online safety tool has potential to help community, acute health/social workers or guardians educate and monitor the online vulnerability and safety of a young person with a learning disability. View resource Previous item Next item

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and the Digital World, has produced an animation aimed at Secondary School pupils to help raise awareness of the digital health and care sector as a career option. < Return to resources Discover a career in digital health and care Rimpiläinen, Sanna The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and the Digital World, has produced an animation aimed at Secondary School pupils to help raise awareness of the digital health and care sector as a career option. View resource Previous item Next item

This is the Executive summary to College-Innovation Centre Pilot Programme, FUTUREquipped, which ran over 12 months in 2018-19. The project was the largest college innovation project to date in Scotland, involving four Innovation Centres and 13 Scottish FE colleges. < Return to resources A College–Innovation Centre Pilot Programme End of Programme Report FUTUREquipped Project This is the Executive summary to College-Innovation Centre Pilot Programme, FUTUREquipped, which ran over 12 months in 2018-19. The project was the largest college innovation project to date in Scotland, involving four Innovation Centres and 13 Scottish FE colleges. View resource Previous item Next item

Jonathan CameronBoard Member (Scottish Government) < Return to team Jonathan Cameron Board Member (Scottish Government) Jonathan is the Head of Digital Health and Care in the Scottish Government and has overall responsibility for the Digital Health and Care Strategy and major programmes of delivery. Prior to joining the Scottish Government in November 2019, Jonathan held a number of Data and IT roles in the Public and Private Sector and has delivered several complex IT and eHealth projects and programmes. His career in eHealth in Scotland includes the delivery of the Emergency Care Summary and Key Information Summary systems. Jonathan has been a CivTech challenge sponsor for the first 3 years of the programme and innovation has been a major focus throughout his career. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) collaborated with the Scottish Government to assist the Adult Mental Health Collaborative by leading workshops and activities aimed at improving mental health services. Specifically, they organized a workshop during the Mental Health Strategy National Forum focusing on defining "gold standard" community mental health and wellbeing, utilising tools developed through stakeholder interviews and meetings. With approximately 70 participants, the workshop aimed to address key challenges and relationships in implementing optimal mental health services, and the findings will be submitted to the Scottish Government for potential integration into the adult mental health collaborative. < Return to resources Community Mental Health and Wellbeing: What Does Gold Standard Look Like? Design Workshop Report Digital Health & Care Institute (DHI) & Crooks, G. (ed.) The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) collaborated with the Scottish Government to assist the Adult Mental Health Collaborative by leading workshops and activities aimed at improving mental health services. Specifically, they organized a workshop during the Mental Health Strategy National Forum focusing on defining "gold standard" community mental health and wellbeing, utilising tools developed through stakeholder interviews and meetings. With approximately 70 participants, the workshop aimed to address key challenges and relationships in implementing optimal mental health services, and the findings will be submitted to the Scottish Government for potential integration into the adult mental health collaborative. View resource Previous item Next item

This is a factsheet summarising the main points of the report "Review and Analysis of the Digital Health Sector and Skills for Scotland : A Report by the Digital Health and Care Institute in Partnership with Skills Development Scotland", published by the Digital Health and Care Institute in 2018. < Return to resources Digital Health & Skills in Scotland Factsheet Rimpiläinen, Sanna; Morrison, Ciaran and Rooney, Laura This is a factsheet summarising the main points of the report "Review and Analysis of the Digital Health Sector and Skills for Scotland : A Report by the Digital Health and Care Institute in Partnership with Skills Development Scotland", published by the Digital Health and Care Institute in 2018. View resource Previous item Next item

A key strand of the Scottish Access Collaborative (SAC)’s work is the delivery of the Specialty Sub-Group programme, in which a range of experts in clinical specialties undertake a cycle of design-led workshops with the support of the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI). DHI was commissioned to design workshops aimed at producing high-level mapping of each clinical area and identifying clinically led and patient-centred sustainable improvements. The findings from these workshops will form the basis of a speciality-led Access Collaborative programme delivering solutions to help scheduled care services sustainably meet the challenges of the future. < Return to resources Scottish Access Collaborative Specialty Series Report Porteous, A., Blank, L., Schauberger, U., Smith, P., Brooks, E. A key strand of the Scottish Access Collaborative (SAC)’s work is the delivery of the Specialty Sub-Group programme, in which a range of experts in clinical specialties undertake a cycle of design-led workshops with the support of the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI). DHI was commissioned to design workshops aimed at producing high-level mapping of each clinical area and identifying clinically led and patient-centred sustainable improvements. The findings from these workshops will form the basis of a speciality-led Access Collaborative programme delivering solutions to help scheduled care services sustainably meet the challenges of the future. View resource Previous item Next item

Using role play and co-design to explore how health professionals would like to be supported to embed communication and behaviour change techniques in their consultations with people living with diabetes. < Return to resources Digital Diabetes - Communication Between Communicators (CBC): Supporting Behaviour Change Johnson, Michael, Teal, Gemma, Thorup, Tine and Ballie, Jen Using role play and co-design to explore how health professionals would like to be supported to embed communication and behaviour change techniques in their consultations with people living with diabetes. View resource Previous item Next item

In current medical literature, there's widespread mention of citizen empowerment and person-centered care, yet implementing these concepts poses a significant challenge. Amid rising demand and limited resources in healthcare, the realization is dawning that technology-enabled care could offer sustainable solutions. While consumer electronics companies have long prioritized customer satisfaction through hassle-free, personalized interactions, the healthcare system lags behind in adopting similar approaches, prompting reflection on this disparity. < Return to resources Thoughts on Citizen Empowerment and Person-centred Care Crooks, George In current medical literature, there's widespread mention of citizen empowerment and person-centered care, yet implementing these concepts poses a significant challenge. Amid rising demand and limited resources in healthcare, the realization is dawning that technology-enabled care could offer sustainable solutions. While consumer electronics companies have long prioritized customer satisfaction through hassle-free, personalized interactions, the healthcare system lags behind in adopting similar approaches, prompting reflection on this disparity. View resource Previous item Next item

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is a national resource and key enabler and catalyst for change, occupying a unique and visible position at the heart of the innovation ecosystem for digital health and social care in Scotland. DHI's expertise and influence allow us to play a pivotal role in building a fairer, inclusive, accessible, and equitable health and social care system by harnessing the power of Scotland’s public, private, and third/charity sectors. We are the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre Our mission is to transform great ideas into digital health and social care solutions Join our Network Who we are The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) was established in 2013 and is a key enabler and catalyst for change, occupying a unique and visible position at the heart of the innovation ecosystem for digital health and social care in Scotland. A world-leading collaboration between the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow School of Art , publicly funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the Scottish Government . We are a not-for-profit organisation. Our expertise and influence allow us to play a pivotal role in building a fairer , inclusive , accessible , and equitable health and social care system by harnessing the power of Scotland’s public, private, and third/ charity sectors. Learn more Industry DHI helps companies get their digital health & care innovations to market. We have 10 years’ experience working with stakeholders in the NHS, academia, the Scottish Government, third sector, funders and industry to support cross-sectoral collaboration and digital health and care innovation. Collaborate with us Health & care providers DHI is a catalyst for change and a conduit for NHS reform. We harness Research & Innovation (R&I) to support the essential recovery and digitally enabled transformation of health and social care services. We work with the NHS, local authorities, independent health & care providers, housing associations, 3rd Sector and charities. Innovate with us Academia and education DHI works with Academia to gather insight , undertake research , co-design and develop collaborative innovations to implement change, generate real impact and attract increased investment and funding into R&I and institutional capabilities. We engage with schools, colleges, universities to raise awareness of careers in the digital health and social care sector. Shape the future Wider public sector DHI works with wider public sector services to deploy key digital assets to re-imagine care and support a strong pipeline of digital and data pathfinder initiatives. We operate as an anchor institution to showcase Scotland’s capability and appetite for digital health and care innovation by working with cross-sectoral partners to transform great ideas into real digital health and social care solutions. Explore opportunities Working with Citizens DHI uses design research-led approaches to engage with citizens and keep them at the heart of all we do. If you want to contribute to the co-design of Scotland’s latest digital health and social care solutions, join our citizen panel. Join our citizen panel Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Digital health and social care innovation In the complex landscape of health and care, numerous terms such as Telehealth , Telemedicine , and Telecare are frequently employed to describe the integration of technology in healthcare services. The DHI prefers a more inclusive and simplified approach to terminology. Our definition Design innovation Design innovation is central to the DHI’s initiatives. As a co-founding partner, The Glasgow School of Art has shaped our unique design-led and participatory approach, recognised for its effectiveness in delivering impactful services. Our methodology fosters meaningful engagement with citizens, healthcare professionals, and communities, aligning with the Scottish Approach to Service Design . We tailor each project to the specific context, ensuring solutions meet the needs of all involved. Find out more £41.2M additional funding secured 29.5K report downloads 50 projects managed 1000+ active network members Our broader impact Our decade-long commitment to transforming Scotland's digital health and social care landscape has seen DHI secure vital funding, facilitate key projects, and build a robust network from across the sector. We're driving meaningful change that shapes the future of health and social care innovation in Scotland and beyond. Globally connected Dedicated to transform health and social care through digital innovation, not just in Scotland but across the globe. Our collaborations extend our impact far beyond national boundaries, positioning us at the forefront of global health and social care solutions. Meet our partners Envision Blueprint A practical blueprint for future-ready homes, exploring how smart technologies can support healthier, more independent and sustainable living. Complete the short form to download the report. What we do DHI drives research and innovation in digital health and social care, supporting sustainable services, future skills, and improved health outcomes across Scotland. Resources A global leader in digital health and social care, delivering research, fostering international collaboration, and producing a range of academic and digital outputs.

The Experience Lab provides a safe, collaborative environment which replicates real life practice within which to trial ideas and engage in design-led activities. These activities place the user at the centre of the design process. This paper will illustrate the Experience Lab through a case study of a project which explored and developed a new concept system for assisted living to support and empower older adults to live independently at home for longer. The Experience Labs provided the opportunity to user-test the initial concept by developing and validating a solution with users. The design-led approach aimed to deliver requirements for the system that were firmly user driven. The Labs provided a safe and realistic environment through which the Lab team helped users explore the concept and share their feedback and ideas for improvement through activities including experience interviewing, workshops, and role-play. < Return to resources Transforming healthcare through design-led innovation French, Tara and Teal, Gemma The Experience Lab provides a safe, collaborative environment which replicates real life practice within which to trial ideas and engage in design-led activities. These activities place the user at the centre of the design process. This paper will illustrate the Experience Lab through a case study of a project which explored and developed a new concept system for assisted living to support and empower older adults to live independently at home for longer. The Experience Labs provided the opportunity to user-test the initial concept by developing and validating a solution with users. The design-led approach aimed to deliver requirements for the system that were firmly user driven. The Labs provided a safe and realistic environment through which the Lab team helped users explore the concept and share their feedback and ideas for improvement through activities including experience interviewing, workshops, and role-play. View resource Previous item Next item

The ‘Digital Imagination’ series presents a collection of experience-led scenarios created from a synthesis of digital health and care co-design and innovation projects in Scotland. The scenarios articulate the potential of digital in health and social care – including the value, impact, and implications on future interactions and experiences. Each scenario involves 3 composite ‘stories’* told from the perspectives of people across the health and social care landscape. < Return to resources Digital Imagination’ series: Imagining a future virtual clinic experience Chute, C. and French, T. (2024). Imagining a digital dermatology future. Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre. The ‘Digital Imagination’ series presents a collection of experience-led scenarios created from a synthesis of digital health and care co-design and innovation projects in Scotland. The scenarios articulate the potential of digital in health and social care – including the value, impact, and implications on future interactions and experiences. Each scenario involves 3 composite ‘stories’* told from the perspectives of people across the health and social care landscape. View resource Previous item Next item

NHS Tayside is reviewing its Child Healthy Weight Service (CHWS) and has engaged the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre to map the current offering and explore challenges and innovations virtually due to pandemic restrictions. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of prevention and early intervention, highlighting challenges such as lack of weight measurement data and the complexity of referrals, while discussing improvements such as better coordination and family-based interventions. DHI is developing digital weight management solutions and is open to collaboration with NHS Tayside. < Return to resources NHS Tayside: Child Weight Management Brooks, E., Bruce, A., Smith, P., Binnie, C., Lazcano-Ross, P. & Stengs, G. NHS Tayside is reviewing its Child Healthy Weight Service (CHWS) and has engaged the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre to map the current offering and explore challenges and innovations virtually due to pandemic restrictions. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of prevention and early intervention, highlighting challenges such as lack of weight measurement data and the complexity of referrals, while discussing improvements such as better coordination and family-based interventions. DHI is developing digital weight management solutions and is open to collaboration with NHS Tayside. View resource Previous item Next item

The research report explores the skills issues in Scotland's digital health sector in 2017-18, which is rapidly growing and demanding skilled personnel. There's a notable shortage of professionals proficient in both ICT and health and care, and the existing education and training offerings are limited, mostly at post-graduate level. The research findings suggest bridging the gap between education and sector needs is crucial for Scotland to capitalize on the expanding digital health market, requiring a review of education provision, closer collaboration with industry, and raising awareness of the sector's importance. < Return to resources Review and Analysis of the Digital Health Sector and Skills for Scotland Rimpiläinen, Sanna and Morrison, Ciarán and Rooney, Laura The research report explores the skills issues in Scotland's digital health sector in 2017-18, which is rapidly growing and demanding skilled personnel. There's a notable shortage of professionals proficient in both ICT and health and care, and the existing education and training offerings are limited, mostly at post-graduate level. The research findings suggest bridging the gap between education and sector needs is crucial for Scotland to capitalize on the expanding digital health market, requiring a review of education provision, closer collaboration with industry, and raising awareness of the sector's importance. View resource Previous item Next item

The report details the work and findings of an Experience Lab on Innovation of nursing records ran by Glasgow School of Arts (GSA) design team with representatives of the NHS Scotland nursing staff. The primary finding of the Experience Lab is a desire and need to move to electronic health records (EHRs). < Return to resources Nursing Records Bradley, Jay and Tulloch, Angela The report details the work and findings of an Experience Lab on Innovation of nursing records ran by Glasgow School of Arts (GSA) design team with representatives of the NHS Scotland nursing staff. The primary finding of the Experience Lab is a desire and need to move to electronic health records (EHRs). View resource Previous item Next item

This document contains microlearning units to explore the impact of digitalisation on the construction sector, focusing particularly on SMART Homes. Created by lecturers involved in the FUTUREquipped project, these learning materials cover topics such as Building Information Modelling, Domestic Building Management Systems, and Energy-efficient housing. All materials are accessible to learners under the Creative Commons license. < Return to resources Construction Sector: Learning Materials - FUTUREquipped Project FUTUREquipped Project This document contains microlearning units to explore the impact of digitalisation on the construction sector, focusing particularly on SMART Homes. Created by lecturers involved in the FUTUREquipped project, these learning materials cover topics such as Building Information Modelling, Domestic Building Management Systems, and Energy-efficient housing. All materials are accessible to learners under the Creative Commons license. View resource Previous item Next item