Paula BurnsProgramme Manager < Return to team Paula Burns Programme Manager Paula is the programme manager for the Digital Lifelines Scotland programme and joins the team from Programme Management Services, within Public Services Delivery Scotland. Bringing 15 years’ experience of designing and delivering change within the public sector and combining more traditional project and programme methodologies with the Scottish Approach to Service Design principles to ensure service users are at the heart of every change initiative. Paula also works independently as an executive coach and mentor to leaders and teams delivering change. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

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 FUTUREquipped SMART Housing Unit Descriptor for 'Understanding SMART Homes from a Construction, Information and Communication Technology, and Health and Care Perspective': SCQF Level 6. Report 2019 Start Now

Innovate UK contracted DHI to review the UK's immersive reality technology for mental health therapeutics. The project produced a final report with recommendations from research and co-design workshops. Approved by UKRI, it has concluded, and DHI is now tendering for Phase 2 to support and upskill innovators. < Return to projects Mindset Project impact Report on the UK's immersive reality technology landscape to support mental health therapeutics UK-wide review of immersive reality technology for mental health therapeutics, resulting in a final report with strategic recommendations approved by UKRI Phase 2 to deliver cluster and business support, including webinars, workshops, and upskilling in design innovation principles for innovators Innovate UK contracted DHI to review the UK's immersive reality technology for mental health therapeutics. The project produced a final report with recommendations from research and co-design workshops. Approved by UKRI, it has concluded, and DHI is now tendering for Phase 2 to support and upskill innovators. Innovate UK contracted DHI to undertake a UK-wide review of the immersive reality technology landscape in relation to mental health therapeutics, which will inform the approach taken to test and trial a platform for the distribution and procurement of mental health and wellbeing XR experiences, products and solutions. The project has delivered a final report with recommendations/findings from the research undertaken and 2 co-design workshops discussing the findings and recommendations. The report has been approved by UKRI and the project is now closed. DHI is currently in the process of submitting a tender to UKRI for Phase 2 of the project to deliver a cluster and business support, including webinars, workshops and upskilling for innovators in design innovation principles. Summary Impact & value Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources MINDSET Workstream report Previous project Projects index page Next project

The Right Decision Service (RDS) is Scotland’s national decision support service for health and social care. Funded by the Scottish Government and owned by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, RDS provides digital tools for safe, timely healthcare decisions based on validated evidence and patient-centred outcomes. < Return to projects The Right Decision Support Service (RDS) Project impact Over 180 web and mobile decision support tools 1,777,077 unique users registered; 10.4 million page views in 2023 alone In 2023, 93% saw an impact on evidence informed practice The Right Decision Service (RDS) is Scotland’s national decision support service for health and social care. Funded by the Scottish Government and owned by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, RDS provides digital tools for safe, timely healthcare decisions based on validated evidence and patient-centred outcomes. The Right Decision Service (RDS) is the national decision support service for Scotland’s health and social care. It was endorsed and funded by the Scottish Government as the platform for delivery of the national decision support programme. The RDS was significantly developed at DHI over a number of years. It secured funding from the Scottish Government to develop a platform to support decision-support products and the development of new products to support clinical services across the country. Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) took on the national ownership role for the Right Decision Service in 2023. The mission of the RDS is to be the Once for Scotland source of digital tools which enable staff to make safe, timely decisions ‘on the go,’ based on validated evidence and outcomes that matter to people. The RDS is a change agent for the delivery of value-based health and care. It brings together evidence from: validated research, practice experience, and the lived experiences of patients and service users, embedding this evidence in decision-ready formats through RDS tools such as web and mobile apps and electronic care records. Summary Adoption at scale as a business-as-usual service: the RDS is embedded as a core enabler of health and care delivery in the majority of Scottish NHS Boards and a growing number of health and social care partnerships. This embedding in mainstream service delivery is now consolidated through the transition of RDS from its innovation phase in DHI to HIS as a mainstream business-as-usual service. Growing impact in the form of savings in time and resources, improved safety and quality of care, workforce skills and improved processes. These are underpinned by widespread usage across sectors and strong policy mandates for national delivery. Scottish Government Digital Health and Care noted that this “is the first example of a digital health and care programme that has been trialled and piloted with our partners, through to mainstream delivery led by a national NHS Board, and highlights the success of our collaborative approach.” 12 of the 14 territorial boards, 6 health and social care partnerships, 4 national NHS Boards, 3 national social care organisations, 8 national programmes and 3 third sector organisations are using the RDS to deliver decision support tools that support their priorities. Impact & value The RDS continues to be developed by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS). At the point RDS was transferred to HIS, it had progressed hugely. The Right Decision Service received official recognition in the form of the 2022 Digital Public Services Award. This award is granted in collaboration by Holyrood Communications, Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government, for a digital public sector innovation that has delivered measurable impact in the past year. RDS has helped to release practitioner time and the optimal use of resource. In a survey of 36 RDS implementation leads across 12 organisations conducted in January 2023, .77% confirmed that RDS tools are enabling better use of available resource. .64% report that RDS tools are saving staff time 62% state that RDS tools have reduced costs. “Streamlining access to guidance and evidence-based decision support so that it is instantly accessible when and where clinicians need it.” RDS has also led to improved safety and quality of care: 79% of RDS implementation leads indicate that RDS tools are already improving patient safety in their organisations. 74% advise that RDS tools have improved quality of patient care, and 65% indicate that they are driving up consistent evidence-based practice. This work is being taken forward by Healthcare Improvement Scotland Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources Right Decision Service website How does decision support work? Decision support for chronic pain management Decision support for co-morbidities and polypharmacy Diabetes with hypertension: decision support for self-management and stratifying risk, based on citizen-generated and clinical data Previous project Projects index page Next project

We describe a co-design method for development of an assessment tool for chronic pain. Here, by taking a "research through design" approach, we visualized and shared various strands of our domain knowledge. From this, a common understanding of the relevant issues was seen to emerge, which in turn facilitated creativity among the group. Thereafter, a collective proposal for a pain assessment tool was formulated After outlining this proposal, we move on to argue that, based on our experience this method provides a useful platform for interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare technology development. < Return to resources The language of pain: better requirements for pain tools Jaatun, Ellen A.A., Dixon, Brian and Brooks, Elizabeth We describe a co-design method for development of an assessment tool for chronic pain. Here, by taking a "research through design" approach, we visualized and shared various strands of our domain knowledge. From this, a common understanding of the relevant issues was seen to emerge, which in turn facilitated creativity among the group. Thereafter, a collective proposal for a pain assessment tool was formulated After outlining this proposal, we move on to argue that, based on our experience this method provides a useful platform for interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare technology development. View resource Previous item Next item The language of pain: better requirements for pain tools Paper 2014 Start Now

This review examines methods for conducting "people-powered" contact tracing at scale, with a specific focus on digitally enhanced approaches. It covers a spectrum of methodologies, including traditional paper-based methods and advanced digital solutions such as mobile apps utilizing Bluetooth or geolocation services for anonymous tracing. Selected examples of these methods are highlighted for illustration. < Return to resources Rapid Review of Contact Tracing Methods for COVID-19 Rimpiläinen, Sanna This review examines methods for conducting "people-powered" contact tracing at scale, with a specific focus on digitally enhanced approaches. It covers a spectrum of methodologies, including traditional paper-based methods and advanced digital solutions such as mobile apps utilizing Bluetooth or geolocation services for anonymous tracing. Selected examples of these methods are highlighted for illustration. View resource Previous item Next item Rapid Review of Contact Tracing Methods for COVID-19 Report 2020 Start Now

Flora MacLeodBoard Member (Industry) < Return to team Flora MacLeod Board Member (Industry) Flora has spent over a decade building digital services for the public sector, largely the NHS. She’s an expert in creating complex health-focussed digital services that work for diverse group of specialist users, from people with complex diseases to clinicians working on cutting edge genetic science. She is a Design Director at IBM leading the Experience Design team for Healthcare and Life Sciences. Flora also has academic experience as an Honorary Research Fellow at Loughborough University, and regular guest lecturer at numerous universities including University of the Arts London, Cambridge University and Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma. Flora is passionate about evolving the digital technology landscape and workforce, supporting a diverse group of creators to innovate new and inclusive solutions to problems. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Roma MaguireBoard Member (University of Strathclyde) < Return to team Roma Maguire Board Member (University of Strathclyde) 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

Angus McCannBoard Member (Non-Executive Director) < Return to team Angus McCann Board Member (Non-Executive Director) 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

After completing the Maker's Academy software development course in 2016, I embarked on my journey as a self-titled "Clinician Software Developer" in 2017, aiming to revolutionize healthcare technology. My initial project involved digitizing the "heart attack" treatment pathway in the Emergency Department, but encountered compatibility issues between browsers, highlighting the challenges of translating software across different platforms. < Return to resources Clinical Risk Management Training with NHS Digital: A Review Barry, Michael After completing the Maker's Academy software development course in 2016, I embarked on my journey as a self-titled "Clinician Software Developer" in 2017, aiming to revolutionize healthcare technology. My initial project involved digitizing the "heart attack" treatment pathway in the Emergency Department, but encountered compatibility issues between browsers, highlighting the challenges of translating software across different platforms. View resource Previous item Next item Clinical Risk Management Training with NHS Digital: A Review Blog post 2018 Start Now

The first year of Phase 2 of DHI has been interesting, satisfying and challenging in equal measure. This year has seen the successful closure of a number of projects, whilst others have further evolved and expanded as the results of our work have demonstrated real added value to the health and care system as well as real benefits to patients, service users and their families. < Return to resources Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre Phase 2 - Year 1 Annual Report (August 2019 to July 2020) Hughes, J The first year of Phase 2 of DHI has been interesting, satisfying and challenging in equal measure. This year has seen the successful closure of a number of projects, whilst others have further evolved and expanded as the results of our work have demonstrated real added value to the health and care system as well as real benefits to patients, service users and their families. View resource Previous item Next item Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre Phase 2 - Year 1 Annual Report (August 2019 to July 2020) Executive summary 2020 Start Now

Sneha RamanResearch Fellow < Return to team Sneha Raman Research Fellow Sneha is a design researcher who develops participatory approaches to engage with complex challenges, focusing on the social conditions of designing. She has worked on several projects including improving access to palliative care; developing emotional and bereavement support for women around miscarriage; supporting young people with learning disabilities to stay safe online; and transforming conversations on Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Sneha's research focuses on engaging with citizens and communities with different abilities and sensitivities who are often not included in a design process. Sneha holds a Master’s degree in Design Innovation and Citizenship and has worked as a Senior Design Researcher and Innovation Manager with a leading design and research practice in India, collaborating with businesses and third-sector organisations such as GE Healthcare and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on global challenges. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

This project aims to enhance Diabetes self-management and education for Children, Young People, and Families (CYPF) by expanding DigiBete, a patient-led digital platform supporting over 40,000 UK users. After a successful pilot in 2022-2023, additional funding will allow further scaling across NHS Scotland until July 2026. < Return to projects DigiBete Scale up project Project impact Improving self-management, education and health outcomes in Children, Young People and their Families (CYPF) living with Diabetes through scaling up and promoting universal access to DigiBete – a multi award winning, patient led , clinically approved digital educational platform and App. Enabling and supporting the expansion and further scale up and adoption of DigiBete App across NHS Scotland benefiting up to 4000 CYPF with Diabetes . Expansion of benefits realised in Phase 1 evaluation in NHS Scotland , which showed use of DigiBete App with Clinics improves resource utilisation, care standardisation, and is both clinically and cost-effective. This project aims to enhance Diabetes self-management and education for Children, Young People, and Families (CYPF) by expanding DigiBete, a patient-led digital platform supporting over 40,000 UK users. After a successful pilot in 2022-2023, additional funding will allow further scaling across NHS Scotland until July 2026. This project aims to scale up the adoption and use of Digital App called DigiBete App for use for all Children Young People and families across NHS Scotland. Scottish Government working with DHI have put in place a national licence for universal access DigiBete until July 2026. Alongside, scaling up the use of Type 1 Diabetes Resources, Implementation will also focus on enhancing the update and use of Digibete Type 2 Diabetes Platform (https://www.youngtype2.org/) and newly launched Training and Educational Platform for Diabetes Education in Schools (https://diabetesinschools.org/) the duration of the project. Project is being delivery and led by DHI as part of the Diabetes Portfolio. Implementation is being supported through development of a DigiBete Champions Network and regular shared learning events. Summary This project is aligned with the Digital Health and Care Strategy and Diabetes Improvement Plan and DHI 10 year Strategy and supports : · reducing inequalities in health outcomes for children and young adults with diabetes through more equitable access to diabetes technology. · standardisation of remote educational resources on a “ once for Scotland” basis, reducing variation in care , releasing capacity, and providing a delivery model which could perhaps be utilised for other projects. · improving care for those transitioning from paediatric to adult care and addressing the poorer outcomes seen in this cohort. · Increase access to supported self-management ,improved condition control and reduction in unnecessary complications Impact & value Progress to date DigiBete Scale up is a live DHI project and will continue to be implemented In collaboration with NHS Scotland until July 2026. Evaluation outcomes and impacts of scale up progress will inform development of a business case for transitioning of funding for DigiBete into a Business-as-usual context. Next steps Diabetes project hub DHI uniquely drives Diabetes Innovation in Scotland by collaborating with NHS, industry, academia, and individuals with lived experiences to advance innovation and funding opportunities. View Hub Partners Project staff Resources Digibete BSPED poster Digibete website Using the App Video demonstration Previous project Projects index page Next project

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 Citizen-centred Data Sharing : What Does It Mean and Why Do We Need It? Blog post 2018 Start Now

A Smart Housing programme initiative focused on transitioning Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Services in Moray from a reactive telecare model to a proactive, data-drive, and preventive care pathway. < Return to projects Living Lab 4A: Smart Housing, Smart Communities Project impact Transforms care delivery by shifting from reactive responses (e.g. fall alerts) to proactive monitoring, enabling earlier identification of risks and preventative intervention. Improves outcomes for citizens by supporting independence, self-management, and timely access to care through continuous monitoring and personalised insights. Enhances health and care system efficiency by integrating data and technologies, enabling better resource use and informed decision making across services A Smart Housing programme initiative focused on transitioning Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Services in Moray from a reactive telecare model to a proactive, data-drive, and preventive care pathway. This project aims to transition Technology Enabled Care (TEC) in Moray from a reactive telecare model to proactive, data-driven approach. By integrating digital monitoring technologies and AI-enabled analytics, it supports early identification of health risks and preventative intervention. The pathway has been co-designed with stakeholders and is currently being tested in real-world settings. Summary The anticipated benefits span individuals, services, and the wider health and care system. For citizens, the approach aims to support greater independence, improved safety, earlier access to support, and increased use of self-management tools. Services are expected to benefit from more efficient allocation of resources through earlier intervention and a reduced reliance on emergency responses. At a system level, the work promotes better integration of health, social care, housing, and technology systems, enabling a more coordinated and holistic approach to care delivery. The programme is also generating valuable evidence to inform future planning, helping to shape scalable, data-driven models of care and support investment decisions, particularly in rural and remote communities. Impact & value Extensive stakeholder engagement and co-design workshops were undertaken to identify challenges within existing Technology Enabled Care (TEC) systems and to shape a future-state model. This collaborative approach informed the development of an initial proactive TEC pathway that integrates telecare, telehealth, and remote monitoring technologies to better support individuals in their homes and communities. The work highlighted several key challenges, including system integration, workforce skills gaps, and connectivity issues in rural areas. Early-stage real-world testing of technologies and pathway models has commenced, with ongoing iterative refinement based on stakeholder feedback and emerging insights. Strong support and collaboration have been established across a wide range of sectors, including health, social care, housing, and industry partners, creating a solid foundation for continued development and implementation. Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources Population Health Management poster Living Lab 4 Previous project Projects index page Next project

The Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster (DMHIC), facilitated by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) in 2022, continues to strengthen Scotland’s position as a leader in digital mental health. Covering August 2024 to July 2025, this report highlights growth in membership, governance, and activities that have advanced collaboration, knowledge exchange, and solution development. Membership expanded to 234 organisations, supported by a refreshed database. Six events at local, national, and international levels fostered engagement, while three reports set out research and innovation priorities for the sector. Progress was made in ADHD-related research and service innovation, and two funded projects deepened collaboration across academia, industry, and the third sector. Scotland’s leadership in digital mental health gained wider recognition at UK and international levels. Looking ahead, priorities for 2025/26 include strengthening partnerships, preparing for the 2026 Global Digital Mental Health Conference, and using ADHD research to drive service transformation. < Return to resources Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster (DMHIC) : Annual Report 2024–2025 Boyle, Joanne and Whyte, Anna The Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster (DMHIC), facilitated by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) in 2022, continues to strengthen Scotland’s position as a leader in digital mental health. Covering August 2024 to July 2025, this report highlights growth in membership, governance, and activities that have advanced collaboration, knowledge exchange, and solution development. Membership expanded to 234 organisations, supported by a refreshed database. Six events at local, national, and international levels fostered engagement, while three reports set out research and innovation priorities for the sector. Progress was made in ADHD-related research and service innovation, and two funded projects deepened collaboration across academia, industry, and the third sector. Scotland’s leadership in digital mental health gained wider recognition at UK and international levels. Looking ahead, priorities for 2025/26 include strengthening partnerships, preparing for the 2026 Global Digital Mental Health Conference, and using ADHD research to drive service transformation. View resource Previous item Next item Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster (DMHIC) : Annual Report 2024–2025 Report 2025 Start Now

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 Construction Sector: Learning Materials - FUTUREquipped Project Report 2019 Start Now