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Alan ConnorPortfolio Lead, Digital Addiction Support < Return to team Alan Connor Portfolio Lead, Digital Addiction Support Alan leads on DHI’s portfolio of Digital Addiction Support. This includes the award-winning Digital Lifelines Scotland, a programme funded by Drugs Policy within the Scottish Government and managed by DHI and partners SCVO and Simon Community. DLS is focused on reducing the risk of death and harm for people who use drugs through digital solutions. Complementing DLS is SUMIT (Substance Use and Mental Health Interventions using Digital Technology). SUMIT is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Queen’s University of Belfast leads this work and DHI provides their cross sector digital expertise. SUMIT will expand digital inclusion, develop 3 digital enabled products, increasing access to support and treatment whilst enhancing existing services in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Alan is a keen advocate for knowledge exchange within digital innovation to maximise opportunities to collaborate across all the sectors who contribute to Scotland’s health and care services. Enthusiastic in ensuring all citizens can access and utilise the support they require to design a person-led pathway for their health, care and wellbeing. After two decades of managing projects and programmes in the private sector Alan joined NHS Scotland in 2015 starting in regional planning and moving to programme management of EU initiatives. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) is a cutting-edge university and the home for creative thinkers, designers, and innovators. Located in Dubai, a leading global destination for innovation, DIDI Dubai offers the first multidisciplinary design degree in the region at the intersection of three educational pillars: visual literacy, technological fluency, and strategic proficiency. For DIDI, design and innovation are the keys to success in today’s world. The university empowers students to create and conceive solutions that add value and reshape the future, socially, digitally, and creatively. Visit Partner's website Previous Item Next Item

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is a vital part of Scotland’s careers and skills system. DYW is employer-led, and it’s our priority to make it easier for employers to connect with young people in schools and colleges across Scotland. It’s a team effort to support young people to prepare for the world of work. Through DYW, employers can provide inspirational opportunities for young people to help them understand and develop the skills they need to succeed. Get involved to influence education and help shape the future workforce Scotland needs. Visit Partner's website Previous Item Next Item

The World Health Organisation defines Healthy Ageing as maintaining functional ability for well-being in older age. The Aging 2.0 Grand Challenges report identifies 8 key challenges, including Brain Health, Care Coordination, and Financial Wellness. This report aims to provide Scottish-specific data on these challenges to inform innovative digital health solutions explored by the Scottish Healthy Ageing Innovation Cluster. < Return to resources Report on Health Ageing 2.0 Key Challenges: High-Level Review of the Scottish Context Tatsi, Athina The World Health Organisation defines Healthy Ageing as maintaining functional ability for well-being in older age. The Aging 2.0 Grand Challenges report identifies 8 key challenges, including Brain Health, Care Coordination, and Financial Wellness. This report aims to provide Scottish-specific data on these challenges to inform innovative digital health solutions explored by the Scottish Healthy Ageing Innovation Cluster. View resource Previous item Next item

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (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. Home / Innovating health and social care In the complex landscape of health and social care, numerous terms such as Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Telecare are frequently employed to describe the integration of technology in healthcare services. Our definition Building on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) definition of digital health, DHI defines digital health and social care as the field(s) of knowledge and practice associated with the development and use of digital technologies to improve both individual and population health and wellbeing, and to improve health and social care delivery. Digital health and care solutions include digital and data infrastructures, wearable and mobile devices and monitors, digital health and care systems, telehealth and telecare solutions, telemedicine, personalised care, data analytics, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). Digitising social care "Digitising” is a better-known term than “digitalising”. "Digitising social care" refers to converting information into a digital format (e.g. converting a piece of paper into a PDF). "Digitalising social care" involves using digital technologies to enhance , streamline , and improve social care services. This includes implementing electronic health records, digital care plans, remote monitoring, telehealth, mobile apps for caregivers and patients, and other digital tools to increase efficiency , accessibility , and quality of care provided to individuals in need of social services. The aim is to make social care more responsive, personalised, and integrated with healthcare systems. By leveraging insights from these innovations, the DHI aims to facilitate the transformation of health and care services. This includes improving access to services, minimising healthcare costs, enhancing the quality of care , and offering personalised healthcare solutions. Our approach underscores the importance of integrating technology in healthcare to achieve a more efficient , effective , and patient-centred system. Pioneering Digital Transformation in Health and Social Care DHI supports the digital transformation of health and social care services to promote healthy lives and wellbeing for the citizens of Scotland. As an international thought leader in the digital health and social care research and innovation space (R&I), DHI: Supports the health and social care industry to create digitally enabled, person-centred solutions, and reimagine new business models to take them to market. Assists health and social care services to transform, and to develop new evidence-based service models which enable partners to get ready for adoption of digital solutions at scale. Prepares the current and future workforce and service users to operate confidently in the digital environment. Engaging with citizens, and through collaboration with government, academia, industry, and frontline services, DHI fosters innovation that is sustainable, scalable, and transformative - ensuring all partners can derive benefit from new and emergent technologies and Scotland remains at the forefront of digital health and social care globally. Discover how we do it

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

Home / Cookie policy Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) 1. Introduction This Cookie Policy explains how the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre ("we", "our", "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on the website https://www.dhi-scotland.com ("the Website"). It provides detailed information about what cookies are, how we use them, and how users ("you", "your") can control their use. By continuing to use our Website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. 2. What are cookies? Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. Cookies can collect and store data that are used to enhance your browsing experience, understand user preferences, provide customized content, and facilitate website functionality. There are two main types of cookies: First-party cookies: These are cookies set by our Website directly. Third-party cookies: These are cookies set by external service providers (e.g., analytics or advertising platforms). 3. Types of cookies we use We use the following types of cookies on our Website: a. Essential cookies These cookies enable core functionality such as security, verification of identity, and network management. These cookies can’t be disabled. They are usually set in response to actions made by you, such as logging in or filling out forms. - Purpose: Ensure proper functioning of the site and protect security. - Duration: Session-based or persistent (varies depending on the specific cookie). - Examples: Authentication cookies, session identifiers. b. Performance & analytics cookies These cookies help us to understand how visitors interact with our website and discover errors. They allow us to count visits and traffic sources to measure and improve the performance of our Website. They help us understand which pages are most and least popular and how visitors move around the Website. - Purpose: Gather statistical information on site performance and user interactions for optimizing our content. - Duration: Persistent, typically 30 days to 2 years. - Examples: Google Analytics, Hotjar, or similar tools. c. Functional cookies These cookies collect data to remember choices users make to improve and give a more personalized experience. Functional cookies enhance your user experience by remembering your preferences and providing customized features (e.g., language settings, font size). - Purpose: Enable personalization of content based on user preferences. - Duration: Typically lasts until you clear your browser cache or delete the cookie. - Examples: User language preference cookies, accessibility setting cookies. d. 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Social media cookies Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn may set cookies on our Website to enable sharing and engaging with content through social networks. - Purpose: Allow users to interact with social media content and share our pages. - Duration: Persistent (up to 2 years). - Examples: Facebook Like button, Twitter Share button. 4. Managing and disabling cookies You have the right to manage and control your cookie preferences. You can refuse the use of certain types of cookies, but this may impact your ability to use certain features on the Website. a. Browser settings You can manage your cookie settings in your browser preferences. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete them after they’ve been stored. - Google Chrome: Instructions - Mozilla Firefox: Instructions - Safari: Instructions - Microsoft Edge: Instructions b. Cookie consent tools We provide a cookie consent tool on the Website that allows you to opt-in or opt-out of non-essential cookies. You can adjust your preferences at any time through the cookie settings located in the footer of the Website. c. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals Some web browsers may transmit "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals to websites. Currently, there is no uniform standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. Our Website does not currently respond to DNT signals. 5. Third-party cookies In some cases, third parties may place cookies on your device when you use our Website. These third parties may include analytics services providers, advertising networks, and social media platforms. We do not have control over these cookies. For more information on third-party cookies, please refer to the cookie policies of the third-party providers: - Google Analytics: Cookie Policy - Facebook: Cookie Policy - LinkedIn: Cookie Policy 6. Cookies currently tracked on the DHI website (www.dhi-scotland.com ) The cookies that were initially placed on the DHI Wix website are categorized as essential cookies. The Wix platform gives the ability to add multiple components, codes, third-party applications, and therefore additional types of cookies may also be added, which might require specific settings. For more information: https://support.wix.com/en/article/cookies-and-your-wix-site Cookie Name Purpose Duration Cookie Type client-session-bind Cookie for API protection Session Essential server-session-bind Cookie for API protection Session Essential _wixAB3|* Cookie for site experiments 6 months Essential fedops.logger.sessionId Tracking session errors and issues (resilience) 12 months Essential bSession Used for system effectiveness measurement 24 hours Essential TS* Cookies for attack detection Session Essential SSR-caching Performance cookie for rendering 24 hours Essential svSession Session cookie for identification 6 months Essential hs Security Cookie for Hive (legacy) Session Essential XSRF-TOKEN Cookie for fraud detection of calls Session Essential 7. Changes to this Cookie Policy We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the types of cookies we use or legal requirements. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the bottom of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies. 8. Contact us If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, contact us at hello@dhi-scotland.com . Cookie Policy: last updated 06/09/2024

PainChek® is a clinically validated pain assessment tool initially designed to improve pain management for individuals with moderate to severe dementia in aged care settings. Using a combination of AI technology, facial analysis, and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), PainChek® detects pain cues even when they are not overtly obvious. With a strong reputation across the industry, PainChek® has facilitated over 4.1 million clinical assessments in aged care facilities worldwide. To explore the full cost benefits from the implementation of PainChek® and inform national strategic planning, an independent assessment of the tool was undertaken by a team from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) between July 2024 and April 2025. Overall, the evaluation concluded that PainChek® shows promise as a tool to enhance pain management in Scottish care homes by improving pain assessment and potentially leading to better medication management and quality of life for residents. However, the final report recommended that further research, particularly on cost-benefits along with addressing implementation barriers, is crucial for making informed decisions about its wider rollout. The Edinburgh Napier University evaluation team would like to acknowledge the support of Nicky Cronin, David Marshall and Nicola McCardle from the Care Inspectorate for facilitating the desk review phase and the successful coordination of the field phase of this project. < Return to resources Evaluation of a Digital Solution for the Assessment and Management of Pain in Scottish Care Services Nyangu, Isabel and Campbell, Karen and Dunham, Margaret and Samuriwo, Ray and Thompson, Kali PainChek® is a clinically validated pain assessment tool initially designed to improve pain management for individuals with moderate to severe dementia in aged care settings. Using a combination of AI technology, facial analysis, and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), PainChek® detects pain cues even when they are not overtly obvious. With a strong reputation across the industry, PainChek® has facilitated over 4.1 million clinical assessments in aged care facilities worldwide. To explore the full cost benefits from the implementation of PainChek® and inform national strategic planning, an independent assessment of the tool was undertaken by a team from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) between July 2024 and April 2025. Overall, the evaluation concluded that PainChek® shows promise as a tool to enhance pain management in Scottish care homes by improving pain assessment and potentially leading to better medication management and quality of life for residents. However, the final report recommended that further research, particularly on cost-benefits along with addressing implementation barriers, is crucial for making informed decisions about its wider rollout. The Edinburgh Napier University evaluation team would like to acknowledge the support of Nicky Cronin, David Marshall and Nicola McCardle from the Care Inspectorate for facilitating the desk review phase and the successful coordination of the field phase of this project. View resource Previous item Next item

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 mirco learning unit aims to familiarise learners with the concept of SMART homes across three industry sectors: Construction, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Health and Care. By exploring emergent themes and innovations from these perspectives, learners will gain insight into the potential economic and societal benefits of SMART homes. The unit culminates in a cross-disciplinary project based on a SMART home case study, supported by Meta skills units to develop necessary skills for the final outcome. < Return to 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. Gale, Lewis This mirco learning unit aims to familiarise learners with the concept of SMART homes across three industry sectors: Construction, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Health and Care. By exploring emergent themes and innovations from these perspectives, learners will gain insight into the potential economic and societal benefits of SMART homes. The unit culminates in a cross-disciplinary project based on a SMART home case study, supported by Meta skills units to develop necessary skills for the final outcome. View resource Previous item Next item

This report reviews digital approaches involving citizens in contact tracing efforts, addressing public health data needs, privacy concerns, technologies, and digital ethics, aiming to inform a consistent approach to digital contact tracing in Scotland, aligning with policy on secure, transparent, participatory, and privacy-respectful data sharing in response to the measures that needed to be put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expert insights and recommendations cover desirable outcomes, secure and privacy-respectful system architecture, communication standards, and ethical challenges to secure public trust, applicable to broader aspects of digital health in Scotland. < Return to resources Use of Participatory Apps in Contact Tracing: Options and Implications for Public Health, Privacy and Trust Buchanan, W., Imran, M., Pagliari, C., Pell, J. & Rimpiläinen, S. This report reviews digital approaches involving citizens in contact tracing efforts, addressing public health data needs, privacy concerns, technologies, and digital ethics, aiming to inform a consistent approach to digital contact tracing in Scotland, aligning with policy on secure, transparent, participatory, and privacy-respectful data sharing in response to the measures that needed to be put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expert insights and recommendations cover desirable outcomes, secure and privacy-respectful system architecture, communication standards, and ethical challenges to secure public trust, applicable to broader aspects of digital health in Scotland. View resource Previous item Next item

Report detailing Estonia's journey towards e-governance. < Return to resources The Estonian Journey to e-Governance Rimpiläinen, Sanna Report detailing Estonia's journey towards e-governance. View resource Previous item Next item

The Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI),  is focused on transforming great ideas into real digital health and social care solutions through collaboration and co-design. Whether you’re looking to partner with us, have an enquiry, or just want to learn more about our work, we’re here to connect. Home / Contact Get in touch The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), is focused on transforming great ideas into real digital health and social care solutions through collaboration and co-design. Whether you’re looking to partner with us, have an enquiry, or just want to learn more about our work, we’re here to connect. Our main office Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre 1st Floor, Suite B Inovo Building 121 George Street Glasgow, G1 1RD Scotland, UK Contact information General enquiries Email: hello@dhi-scotland.com Phone: +44 (0) 141 444 7074 Media & press enquiries: Email: comms@dhi-scotland.com (For Digital Health and Care Innovation in the Moray Region) Room 210 Alexander Graham Bell Centre for Digital Health UHI Moray Moray Street Elgin Moray IV30 1JJ Rural Centre of Excellence Contact information rce@dhi-scotland.com Contact us First name Last name Email* Message* Submit

This executive summary provides key insights from an online survey conducted by DHI's diabetes portfolio in Summer 2022, with 275 respondents primarily comprising individuals with lived experience of diabetes, their families, and NHS health and care professionals. Key themes include the significance of person-centred care, the necessity for mental health support, access to information and resources, and the widespread availability of diabetes technologies. Respondents proposed various innovation ideas, ranging from new care models to improved digital connectivity and self-management capabilities. < Return to resources Transforming Diabetes Care Through Innovation Savage, J. This executive summary provides key insights from an online survey conducted by DHI's diabetes portfolio in Summer 2022, with 275 respondents primarily comprising individuals with lived experience of diabetes, their families, and NHS health and care professionals. Key themes include the significance of person-centred care, the necessity for mental health support, access to information and resources, and the widespread availability of diabetes technologies. Respondents proposed various innovation ideas, ranging from new care models to improved digital connectivity and self-management capabilities. View resource Previous item Next item

This report details the activity and outcomes of a series of design led workshops involving stakeholders of Urology services in NHS Scotland. Participants came from 20 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 Urology 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 Urology services. These ranged from additional targeted patient information to support self-management and opt in for treatment, virtual consultations, and dedicated vetting in secondary care, to direct referral for diagnostic tests from primary care and nationally accepted referral guidelines which are easy to access and follow and can be adapted considering local variation. < Return to resources Scottish Access Collaborative Urology Final 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 Urology services in NHS Scotland. Participants came from 20 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 Urology 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 Urology services. These ranged from additional targeted patient information to support self-management and opt in for treatment, virtual consultations, and dedicated vetting in secondary care, to direct referral for diagnostic tests from primary care and nationally accepted referral guidelines which are easy to access and follow and can be adapted considering local variation. View resource Previous item Next item

RAiSE (Raising Aspirations in Science Education) is a national programme in Scotland that empowers primary teachers to deliver high-quality STEM education by building confidence, skills, and professional networks. It is a collaboration between Education Scotland, The Wood Foundation, the Scottish Government, and local authorities. Visit Partner's website Previous Item Next Item

Summary of the TITTAN project to date. < Return to resources TITTAN Project Update and Workshop 2 Overview of Best Practices Rooney, Laura Summary of the TITTAN project to date. View resource Previous item Next item

This Supporting Evidence Report accompanies the main Final Report of the DLS Phase 2 evaluation. It contains detailed appendices with monitoring data, survey results, qualitative matrices, stakeholder interviews, and sustainability analyses. Designed to provide transparency and depth, it underpins the evaluation findings and conclusions presented in the main report. This document is primarily intended for evaluators, funders, policymakers, and delivery partners seeking in-depth evidence and examples of practice across funded projects. < Return to resources Evaluation of the Digital Lifelines Scotland (DLS) Programme – SUPPORTING EVIDENCE REPORT Perkins, A., Dumbrell, J., Livingston, W., McCluskey, S., Steele, S. This Supporting Evidence Report accompanies the main Final Report of the DLS Phase 2 evaluation. It contains detailed appendices with monitoring data, survey results, qualitative matrices, stakeholder interviews, and sustainability analyses. Designed to provide transparency and depth, it underpins the evaluation findings and conclusions presented in the main report. This document is primarily intended for evaluators, funders, policymakers, and delivery partners seeking in-depth evidence and examples of practice across funded projects. View resource Previous item Next item

Charles SweeneyBoard Member (Industry) < Return to team Charles Sweeney Board Member (Industry) Charles graduated in Computing Science from the University of Glasgow in 1985. After an initial career in software development, he has worked with several successful high-growth Scottish SMEs across a variety of sectors including outsourcing, medical devices, animal health and cyber security. As well as being a board member at DHI, Charles is the chair of Hearing Diagnostics Limited and a non-executive director of Kumulos Limited. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

This is a selection of projects to celebrate ten years of meaningful co-design at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI). We have chosen examples of lived experience engagements that informed concepts for innovating health and care across a range of diverse contexts and topics. We are a multi-disciplinary team of Design Researchers and Creative Technologists based at The GSA’s Innovation School in Glasgow and Moray. We work across urban and rural contexts – locally, nationally, and internationally. Our participatory design approach to innovation is person-centred, not technology-driven, focusing on understanding the lived experience of people and their preferred future ways of living and working. Participants with lived experience are supported to share their stories, challenges and ideas using bespoke methods and tools. Through visualisation, collaborative making, prototyping, and simulation we enable new ways of collaborative working and the translation of insights into future health and care products, services, and systems. < Return to resources 10 Years of Meaningful Co-design McIntyre, Don., Teal, Gemma, Bruce, Angela., Raman, Sneha, Bradley, Jay and Cummings, Marissa This is a selection of projects to celebrate ten years of meaningful co-design at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI). We have chosen examples of lived experience engagements that informed concepts for innovating health and care across a range of diverse contexts and topics. We are a multi-disciplinary team of Design Researchers and Creative Technologists based at The GSA’s Innovation School in Glasgow and Moray. We work across urban and rural contexts – locally, nationally, and internationally. Our participatory design approach to innovation is person-centred, not technology-driven, focusing on understanding the lived experience of people and their preferred future ways of living and working. Participants with lived experience are supported to share their stories, challenges and ideas using bespoke methods and tools. Through visualisation, collaborative making, prototyping, and simulation we enable new ways of collaborative working and the translation of insights into future health and care products, services, and systems. View resource Previous item Next item