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Co-Producing a National Framework to Prevent, Detect and Improve Outcomes for Type 2 Diabetes. < Return to projects Type 2 Diabetes Framework Project impact Framework Implementation: NHS Tayside, an early adopter of Scotland's Type 2 Diabetes Framework, uses a design-led approach to drive system-wide changes Innovation Focus: DHI helped identify key opportunities for innovation and improvement in Type 2 diabetes care through mapping, workshops, and patient experiences Adoption Success: Pathways developed by DHI and NHS Tayside have led to the successful adoption of the Oviva service, improving diabetes management Co-Producing a National Framework to Prevent, Detect and Improve Outcomes for Type 2 Diabetes. The Scottish Government is taking action to tackle the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Scotland. 'A Healthier Future - Framework for the Prevention, Early Detection and Early Intervention of Type 2 Diabetes.' was published by the Scottish Government in July 2018. The Framework was developed to provide guidance to delivery partners on the implementation of a specific weight management pathway for those 'at risk' or those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. NHS Tayside is one of three early adopter sites that are leading the way in implementing the framework. Tayside has taken a public health transformation and design-led approach to identify the changes needed to deliver a whole system sustainable change. The DHI Insights Team was engaged to support NHS Tayside in this work and to identify areas for improvement and innovation, through interviews, workshops, and mapping new care pathways for the service. Summary Our aim is to: Identify the national Type 2 Diabetes journey in NHS Tayside Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement of the current national Type 2 Diabetes Framework in NHS Tayside Strive for improvement in the experience for a Type 2 Diabetic service user in NHS Tayside Impact & value The DHI's Insights Team was commissioned by NHS Tayside to help them to co-produce new and improved services by: • Identifying population need including inequalities within current provision in Tayside • Identifying digital approaches to type 2 diabetes diagnosis and management • Mapping current service pathways • Gathering experiences of current services from people living with type 2 diabetes • Highlighting key issues with current service design • Prioritising opportunities for innovation • Identifying key challenges • Developing recommendations for whole system change The pathways visualised in our report have been replicated in the subsequent adoption of the Oviva service. Our collaboration with NHS Tayside continues in the exploration of other clinical areas. Progress to date 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 Oviva service Previous project Projects index page Next project

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

This Executive Summary presents findings from the End of Stage Report for the Care Homes Assessment Tool Proof of Concept (CHAT Stage 2), conducted by DHI and Scottish Care. Initiated in response to the escalating effects of the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland in March 2020, CHAT Stage 2 aimed to further develop the digital Care Homes Assessment Tool (CHAT) for Covid-19, building upon positive results from a Stage 1 Test of Change conducted in June 2020. The report shares key learnings, reports to the Scottish Government Digital Health & Care Directorate, and outlines recommendations for next steps. < Return to resources Care Homes Assessment Tool Proof of Concept: Stage 2 Report MacKenzie, M., Lillie, A., Kendall, B., Morrison, C., Welisch, G. & Raman, S. This Executive Summary presents findings from the End of Stage Report for the Care Homes Assessment Tool Proof of Concept (CHAT Stage 2), conducted by DHI and Scottish Care. Initiated in response to the escalating effects of the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland in March 2020, CHAT Stage 2 aimed to further develop the digital Care Homes Assessment Tool (CHAT) for Covid-19, building upon positive results from a Stage 1 Test of Change conducted in June 2020. The report shares key learnings, reports to the Scottish Government Digital Health & Care Directorate, and outlines recommendations for next steps. View resource Previous item Next item

The Digital Hypertension project expanded on initial simulations of uploading blood pressure readings from a Bluetooth cuff to an app. It aimed to develop solutions for a national hypertension service via CPS pharmacies, producing a blueprint with cost modelling, service capacity estimates, and a roadmap for establishing a live service. < Return to projects The Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) Digital Hypertension Project impact Assurance of the business and commercial viability of offering digital services in a community setting Armed CPS with re-usable tools to extend the Digital Hypertension model to other new services The Digital Hypertension project expanded on initial simulations of uploading blood pressure readings from a Bluetooth cuff to an app. It aimed to develop solutions for a national hypertension service via CPS pharmacies, producing a blueprint with cost modelling, service capacity estimates, and a roadmap for establishing a live service. The project was built on early simulation work that demonstrated the technical feasibility of uploading blood pressure readings from a Bluetooth-enabled cuff to a simple app. The Digital Hypertension project aimed to take a significant step forward in demonstrating the technical and service solutions that would support an operational hypertension service that could be offered by CPS pharmacies nationally. While ‘pretrial’ by design, the project outcomes were framed to deliver a blueprint for establishing a live service in due course, including business cost modelling, service capacity estimates, business architecture and model descriptions, and a roadmap. The project was completed and closed by November 2021. Summary Impact & value Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources Hypertension Digital App Previous project Projects index page Next project

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

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

This Evaluation Summary provides an accessible overview of the key findings from Phase 2 of the Digital Lifelines Scotland (DLS) programme (2023–2025). It highlights how digital access, skills training, and new technologies have positively impacted the lives of people at high risk of drug-related harm. The summary covers digital inclusion outcomes, improvements in wellbeing, reduced isolation, and enhanced access to vital services. It is designed for a wide audience, including policymakers, commissioners, frontline staff, and community partners. < Return to resources Evaluation of the Digital Lifelines Scotland (DLS) Programme – EVALUATION SUMMARY Perkins, A., Dumbrell, J., Livingston, W., McCluskey, S., Steele, S. This Evaluation Summary provides an accessible overview of the key findings from Phase 2 of the Digital Lifelines Scotland (DLS) programme (2023–2025). It highlights how digital access, skills training, and new technologies have positively impacted the lives of people at high risk of drug-related harm. The summary covers digital inclusion outcomes, improvements in wellbeing, reduced isolation, and enhanced access to vital services. It is designed for a wide audience, including policymakers, commissioners, frontline staff, and community partners. View resource Previous item Next item

Professor Margaret Whoriskey MBEHead of Innovation for Care & Well Being < Return to team Professor Margaret Whoriskey MBE Head of Innovation for Care & Well Being Professor Margaret Whoriskey has joined DHI as Head of Innovation for Care and Well-being. Margaret is leading a new programme of work that will strengthen DHI's role in supporting innovation for integrated care and well-being. Having previously been Head of the SG Technology Enabled Care Programme, Margaret will bring her substantial cross-sector and international experience to the role. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the DHI and look forward to collaborating with partners in seeking opportunities for how innovation can support service transformation, address some of our key challenges and improve outcomes for people”. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page