Search results

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

This is a report on an Exploratory event arranged for the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership Exploratory on the 23rd November 2016 with focus on digital solutions for integrated health and care services. < Return to resources The Potential of Digital Solutions for Integration of Health and Social Care Services Rimpiläinen, Sanna and Morrison, Ciarán and Rooney, Laura This is a report on an Exploratory event arranged for the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership Exploratory on the 23rd November 2016 with focus on digital solutions for integrated health and care services. View resource Previous item Next item

This report explores digital interventions for managing and diagnosing adult ADHD in the UK (excluding Scotland). In March 2024, the Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster (DMHIC) proposed mapping current activity, innovation, and gaps in Scotland's adult ADHD services to address growing demand. Supported by the DHI Design team, this design-led service mapping will be informed by research into UK-wide practices and digital technologies. < Return to resources Evaluating Digital Interventions for ADHD Diagnosis and Management in Adults within the UK Bosnic, Iris This report explores digital interventions for managing and diagnosing adult ADHD in the UK (excluding Scotland). In March 2024, the Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster (DMHIC) proposed mapping current activity, innovation, and gaps in Scotland's adult ADHD services to address growing demand. Supported by the DHI Design team, this design-led service mapping will be informed by research into UK-wide practices and digital technologies. View resource Previous item Next item

The IDDEAS and GDS projects seek to develop innovative new resources for My Diabetes My Way (MDMW) to support people living with diabetes to gain insight from health and lifestyle data to improve self-management. The IDDEAS and GDS projects were proposed by the Clinical and Technical Leads from the MDMW team, both based at the University of Dundee. The projects were accepted by the DHI as part of an integrated ‘Digital Diabetes’ programme of seven projects seeking to develop digital resources to support self-management. The Experience Lab Team were tasked with working with the intended end users to understand how they would like to collect, share, see and use their health and lifestyle data within MDMW, and understand the acceptability of the proposed innovations and how they could best support self-management. < Return to resources Digital Diabetes IDDEAS and GDS Teal, Gemma and Thorup, Tine and Baillie, Jen and Johnson, Michael The IDDEAS and GDS projects seek to develop innovative new resources for My Diabetes My Way (MDMW) to support people living with diabetes to gain insight from health and lifestyle data to improve self-management. The IDDEAS and GDS projects were proposed by the Clinical and Technical Leads from the MDMW team, both based at the University of Dundee. The projects were accepted by the DHI as part of an integrated ‘Digital Diabetes’ programme of seven projects seeking to develop digital resources to support self-management. The Experience Lab Team were tasked with working with the intended end users to understand how they would like to collect, share, see and use their health and lifestyle data within MDMW, and understand the acceptability of the proposed innovations and how they could best support self-management. View resource Previous item Next item

The shift in health and social care towards proactive, responsive, and preventative models emphasizes the need for technology integration to enhance care interactions and experiences. The 'Tech Rights' report by Scottish Care highlights the current landscape and recommends an ethical and rights-based approach to technology development in social care. Exploring challenges and perspectives from a technology event organized by Scottish Care provides insights into the opportunities for technology in social care in Scotland, focusing on its role for individuals, providers, and practices. < Return to resources Making technology meaningful in social care French, Tara and Tulloch, Angela The shift in health and social care towards proactive, responsive, and preventative models emphasizes the need for technology integration to enhance care interactions and experiences. The 'Tech Rights' report by Scottish Care highlights the current landscape and recommends an ethical and rights-based approach to technology development in social care. Exploring challenges and perspectives from a technology event organized by Scottish Care provides insights into the opportunities for technology in social care in Scotland, focusing on its role for individuals, providers, and practices. View resource Previous item Next item

This document reports the run of the Exploratory on Smart Care in a Homely Setting, organized by the Digital Health and Care Institute on May 4th, 2016. The purpose of the event was to understand the current landscape of care in homely settings and identify needs of citizens and carers for potential innovation. < Return to resources Report on the Exploratory on Smart Care in a Homely Setting Milne, Stephen and Rimpiläinen, Sanna This document reports the run of the Exploratory on Smart Care in a Homely Setting, organized by the Digital Health and Care Institute on May 4th, 2016. The purpose of the event was to understand the current landscape of care in homely settings and identify needs of citizens and carers for potential innovation. View resource Previous item Next item

Summary version of the longer report Emerging Trends in digital health and care (2022). It highlights the key points from the report related to the upcoming innovations and developments in digital health and care. < Return to resources Emerging Trends in Digital Health and Care: A Refresh Post-COVID (Summary) Morrison, C., Rimpiläinen, S., Bosnic, I., Thomas, J. & Savage, J. Summary version of the longer report Emerging Trends in digital health and care (2022). It highlights the key points from the report related to the upcoming innovations and developments in digital health and care. View resource Previous item Next item

This report presents the first structured mapping of Scotland’s digital health and social care innovation support ecosystem from an entrepreneurial perspective. Using a mixed-methods approach combining ecosystem mapping based on desk review, readiness-level analysis, and engagement with key stakeholders and entrepreneurs, the study identifies 59 organisations supporting innovation across the Quadruple Helix domains of academia, industry, the public sector and the third sector. The analysis reveals a broad yet highly specialised ecosystem, in which support is primarily concentrated in the early stages of innovation — such as funding, mentoring and networking — while functions related to regulation, service integration and system adoption appear less visible and more fragmented. The findings suggest that the principal challenge for innovators is not the absence of support, but the difficulty of navigating and sequencing existing resources throughout the innovation journey. At the same time, the study highlights that, although a relatively established base of support exists for digital health innovation, support specifically directed towards digital social care innovation remains less visible, less clearly articulated and more difficult to identify. < Return to resources Navigating Scotland’s Digital Health and Social Care Innovation Ecosystem: Mapping Support Structures from an Entrepreneurial Perspective Cáceres-Fegrero, Y., Rimpiläinen, S., and Lyons, A. A. This report presents the first structured mapping of Scotland’s digital health and social care innovation support ecosystem from an entrepreneurial perspective. Using a mixed-methods approach combining ecosystem mapping based on desk review, readiness-level analysis, and engagement with key stakeholders and entrepreneurs, the study identifies 59 organisations supporting innovation across the Quadruple Helix domains of academia, industry, the public sector and the third sector. The analysis reveals a broad yet highly specialised ecosystem, in which support is primarily concentrated in the early stages of innovation — such as funding, mentoring and networking — while functions related to regulation, service integration and system adoption appear less visible and more fragmented. The findings suggest that the principal challenge for innovators is not the absence of support, but the difficulty of navigating and sequencing existing resources throughout the innovation journey. At the same time, the study highlights that, although a relatively established base of support exists for digital health innovation, support specifically directed towards digital social care innovation remains less visible, less clearly articulated and more difficult to identify. 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

This project repurposed the DHI-funded Trauma App to assess COVID-19 symptoms, deployed by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. It facilitated 20,000 assessments by July 2021. Version 3 was completed, and a Stage 4 proposal was prepared before the project closed in October 2021. < Return to projects COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Tool (CAT) Project impact By July 2021 it had been used for 20,000 assessments Deployed across NHS GGC and NHS Forth Valley This project repurposed the DHI-funded Trauma App to assess COVID-19 symptoms, deployed by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. It facilitated 20,000 assessments by July 2021. Version 3 was completed, and a Stage 4 proposal was prepared before the project closed in October 2021. This involved the re-purposing of the DHI funded Trauma App into a tool that supports the structured assessment and examination of people presenting with Covid-19 type symptoms. NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHS GGC) deployed this solution across all its patient-facing assessment units. The application is fully integrated with NHSGGC Clinical systems and Business intelligence dashboard. By July 2021 it had been used for 20,000 assessments across NHS GGC and NHS Forth Valley, feeding public health surveillance with early warning of Covid-19 symptom clusters. Summary Essentially a tool was repurposed, developed and deployed within a short timeframe to support the Covid response. To do this a range of products and outputs were achieved: • Service models developed – with high-level exemplars • A second health board, NHS Forth Valley onboarded the tool • A working prototype across NHS settings was completed • Minimum viable products tested in setting completed • Product enhancements for additional Health Board onboarding were completed The technical development of version 3 was completed and a proposal to Government for Stage 4 was prepared for a general tool and enhanced surveillance. The project was closed in October 2021. Impact & value Progress to date Next steps Covid-19 Projects The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) was commissioned and remains actively engaged in supporting the Scottish Government’s national response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic through various related projects View Projects Partners Project staff Resources New clinical app for Covid-19 piloted in Glasgow helps NHS staff assess patients (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde COVID-19 clinical assessments app walkthrough Previous project Projects index page Next project

This report proposes a digitally-enabled, low cost prevention and support model for reducing type 2 diabetes-related risk and improving readiness for lifestyle change in high priority patient groups. The proposed model has been developed jointly by NHS Grampian Moray Dietitics department, Maryhill Practice within Moray HSCP, the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI) and the Right Decision Service (RDS) – the national decision support service managed by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS). It is based on an 8-week pilot of the RDS Prevent the Progress of Diabetes app1 combined with an optional 10 minute signposting and referral call with a dietitian. < Return to resources Developing a Digitally-Enabled Universal Service Model to Reduce Type 2 Diabetes-Related Risk Brogan, Michelle and Walker, Jacqueline and Lockhart, Robert and Wales, Ann and Carr, Clara and Maclean, Yvonne and Savage, Jamie This report proposes a digitally-enabled, low cost prevention and support model for reducing type 2 diabetes-related risk and improving readiness for lifestyle change in high priority patient groups. The proposed model has been developed jointly by NHS Grampian Moray Dietitics department, Maryhill Practice within Moray HSCP, the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI) and the Right Decision Service (RDS) – the national decision support service managed by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS). It is based on an 8-week pilot of the RDS Prevent the Progress of Diabetes app1 combined with an optional 10 minute signposting and referral call with a dietitian. View resource Previous item Next item

SmartSTEMs exist to inspire the next generation about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) through cost effective collaboration between industry and education. SmartSTEMs wants to inspire, engage and challenge young people to think differently about STEM. They want young people to be inspired to study STEM and go on to pursue careers in STEM. Their core aim is equity of access and opportunity for all young people; where new and strong connections between education and industry lead to expanded skills, career options and networks. Visit Partner's website Previous Item Next Item

Providing equitable access to specialist palliative care, regardless of diagnosis or geographical location, with relatively limited resources and an ageing population, will become increasing difficult for all hospice services. This paper describes the development of a Design Brief for a Virtual Hospice using design tools and methods. The project began by observing Hospice staff and their interactions with patients. Three User Personas were then created based on data gathered through interviews with a small number of patients and professionals. Each Persona’s progress through the Highland Hospice service was visualised on a User Journey Map in the form of insights and opportunities, with five key themes emerging. The final step involved producing a Design Brief that synthesised the research findings in the form of a plan for creating, prototyping, and testing the Virtual Hospice. < Return to resources Developing a Design Brief for a Virtual Hospice Using Design Tools and Methods: a preliminary exploration Taylor, Andrea and French, Tara and Lennox, Jeni and Keen, Jeremy Providing equitable access to specialist palliative care, regardless of diagnosis or geographical location, with relatively limited resources and an ageing population, will become increasing difficult for all hospice services. This paper describes the development of a Design Brief for a Virtual Hospice using design tools and methods. The project began by observing Hospice staff and their interactions with patients. Three User Personas were then created based on data gathered through interviews with a small number of patients and professionals. Each Persona’s progress through the Highland Hospice service was visualised on a User Journey Map in the form of insights and opportunities, with five key themes emerging. The final step involved producing a Design Brief that synthesised the research findings in the form of a plan for creating, prototyping, and testing the Virtual Hospice. View resource Previous item Next item

Mateus FreitasDigital Content Creator < Return to team Mateus Freitas Digital Content Creator Mateus is a multidisciplinary digital designer with experience across visual communication, animation, branding, web-design, and digital content creation. His background spans 3D, architectural, graphic design and audiovisual production, giving him a broad foundation that supports a flexible and adaptable design approach. Mateus brings a diverse creative perspective shaped by varied cultural and professional experiences. He focuses on making complex information clear, engaging, and accessible through thoughtful design and intuitive user experience. His work aims to strengthen communication, support learning, and enhance the impact of digital health and care projects through considered, user-centred design. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Digital health innovations often struggle to scale beyond pilot stages due to a lack of understanding regarding the evidence needed to convince decision-makers to adopt them sustainably. This paper, based on interviews with decision-makers engaged in digital health innovations in Scotland, presents a heuristic service readiness level (SRL) framework to capture the evolving evidence needed for scaling digital health innovation projects. By analysing what evidence is required and how data accumulates over time, this framework assists project teams in building a compelling case for scaling digital health innovations. < Return to resources Scaling digital health innovation: developing a new 'service readiness level' framework of evidence Hughes, J., Lennon, M., Rogerson, R. & Crooks, G. Digital health innovations often struggle to scale beyond pilot stages due to a lack of understanding regarding the evidence needed to convince decision-makers to adopt them sustainably. This paper, based on interviews with decision-makers engaged in digital health innovations in Scotland, presents a heuristic service readiness level (SRL) framework to capture the evolving evidence needed for scaling digital health innovation projects. By analysing what evidence is required and how data accumulates over time, this framework assists project teams in building a compelling case for scaling digital health innovations. View resource Previous item Next item

DHI is collaborating with the Fraser of Allander Institute, SCLD and PAMIS to explore how the PAMIS digital passport could integrate with future NHS and social care digital records, including the National Digital Platform. < Return to projects Learning Disability Pathfinder Project impact Empower people with learning disabilities and their carers to interact and share information with health and social care services in a way that reduces unnecessary repetition and ultimately leads to improved outcomes. Enables people with learning disabilities to share information that is important to them to aid effective interaction and engagement by health and social care practitioners. DHI is collaborating with the Fraser of Allander Institute, SCLD and PAMIS to explore how the PAMIS digital passport could integrate with future NHS and social care digital records, including the National Digital Platform. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre are working with the Fraser of Allander Institute, SCLD (Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities) and PAMIS (a third sector organisation that solely supports children, young people and adults with a profound learning and multiple disabilities and their families to lead healthy, valued and inclusive lives) on a short project to better understand how the PAMIS digital passport could integrate with cornerstone NHS and social care electronic records in the near future. Particularly, we are focussing on potential integration with the National Digital Platform (NDP) currently being developed by NHS Education for Scotland (NES). The NDP represents the near future of record keeping in Scotland. Summary To support and inform frontline improvements which will enhance lives by empowering people with learning disabilities and their carers to interact and share information with health and social care services in a way that reduces unnecessary repetition and ensures they have access to, and greater control over, their own health and care data. Impact & value This initial design phase of work consisted of current & future state mapping workshops, producing a wireframe prototype building from the existing PAMIS passport to demonstrate the Art of the Possible. The final project report includes a proposal for continuation/next steps, including development of a functional prototype in a second phase. Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources DHI’s Co-Design Activities for a Future Digital Passport for People with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities Previous project Projects index page Next project

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