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The Digital Dashboard Experience Lab project, initiated by the University of the Highlands and Islands and NHS Highland, aimed to enhance virtual consultations for diabetes management. The project addressed challenges in discussing diabetes data during virtual consultations by proposing a Digital Dashboard. Through pre- and general labs, three overarching themes emerged: Empowerment and Readiness, Equity and Collaboration, and Timeliness of Information and Insight. These insights informed recommendations for designing digital tools to support person-centered consultations, culminating in a concept for the ideal Digital Dashboard and the next steps for its development. < Return to resources Digital Diabetes Dashboard Teal, Gemma and Thorup, Tine and Baillie, Jen and Johnson, Michael The Digital Dashboard Experience Lab project, initiated by the University of the Highlands and Islands and NHS Highland, aimed to enhance virtual consultations for diabetes management. The project addressed challenges in discussing diabetes data during virtual consultations by proposing a Digital Dashboard. Through pre- and general labs, three overarching themes emerged: Empowerment and Readiness, Equity and Collaboration, and Timeliness of Information and Insight. These insights informed recommendations for designing digital tools to support person-centered consultations, culminating in a concept for the ideal Digital Dashboard and the next steps for its development. View resource Previous item Next item

This paper presents the findings of design research activity undertaken with Macmillan. The research undertaken aimed to explore lived experiences of delivering and accessing services, offering an opportunity to better understand how these practices work and capturing any challenges or opportunities to inform future models of care. This activity also aimed to generate insights around how digital innovation might support the future delivery of services to support the development of a digital outcome. < Return to resources Artificial Intelligence for Improved Cancer Care Hepburn, Leigh-Anne This paper presents the findings of design research activity undertaken with Macmillan. The research undertaken aimed to explore lived experiences of delivering and accessing services, offering an opportunity to better understand how these practices work and capturing any challenges or opportunities to inform future models of care. This activity also aimed to generate insights around how digital innovation might support the future delivery of services to support the development of a digital outcome. View resource Previous item Next item

This paper presents a rationale for design within the context of health and care innovation, framing the visualisation of complex contexts as the critical underpinning for meaningful and sustainable change. It is no longer the domain of the designer to respond individually to a challenge. Instead, it is recognised that for innovation to be meaningful, it must instead be designed with and by instead of for. To this end, perspectives engaged must extend across transdisciplinary boundaries and include key stakeholders. < Return to resources Visualising Complexity in Health and Care for Meaningful and Sustainable Change Hepburn, Leigh-Anne This paper presents a rationale for design within the context of health and care innovation, framing the visualisation of complex contexts as the critical underpinning for meaningful and sustainable change. It is no longer the domain of the designer to respond individually to a challenge. Instead, it is recognised that for innovation to be meaningful, it must instead be designed with and by instead of for. To this end, perspectives engaged must extend across transdisciplinary boundaries and include key stakeholders. View resource Previous item Next item

The Next Generation Asthma Care position paper sets out a collaborative research project led by the DHI with input from Asthma UK. < Return to resources Next Generation Asthma Care Chute, Chaloner and Hepburn, Leigh Anne and Rooney, Laura The Next Generation Asthma Care position paper sets out a collaborative research project led by the DHI with input from Asthma UK. View resource Previous item Next item

This report provides an overview of current digital solutions utilised for managing mental health conditions, referencing relevant Scottish Government policies and conducting a market analysis of available products and services for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. While various digital tools and platforms are in use across England and Scotland, their identification proved challenging, suggesting a lack of visibility that could hinder access and understanding for citizens, especially concerning services outside of the NHS. < Return to resources Review of Current Use of Digital Solutions for Mental Health Morrison, Ciarán This report provides an overview of current digital solutions utilised for managing mental health conditions, referencing relevant Scottish Government policies and conducting a market analysis of available products and services for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. While various digital tools and platforms are in use across England and Scotland, their identification proved challenging, suggesting a lack of visibility that could hinder access and understanding for citizens, especially concerning services outside of the NHS. View resource Previous item Next item

The report presents a high-level review of patient-centred Electronic Health Records for NHS Grampian. The report showcases 13 case studies on the design of person-centred electronic health records as used by multidisciplinary health and care teams. < Return to resources Person-Centred Records: A High-level Review of Use Cases Rimpiläinen, Sanna The report presents a high-level review of patient-centred Electronic Health Records for NHS Grampian. The report showcases 13 case studies on the design of person-centred electronic health records as used by multidisciplinary health and care teams. View resource Previous item Next item

The UK's digital economy has seen significant growth, with a 53% increase in new companies formed since 2010. The sector contributes 6% to the total UK economy. As technology advances, there's a rising demand for digital skills across various industries. Additionally, the shift towards online government services emphasizes the need for citizens to possess digital skills. It's crucial not only to enhance the skills of users but also to focus on improving the digital capabilities of innovators. < Return to resources Digital Skills for the UK Economy Morrison, Ciarán and Rooney, Laura The UK's digital economy has seen significant growth, with a 53% increase in new companies formed since 2010. The sector contributes 6% to the total UK economy. As technology advances, there's a rising demand for digital skills across various industries. Additionally, the shift towards online government services emphasizes the need for citizens to possess digital skills. It's crucial not only to enhance the skills of users but also to focus on improving the digital capabilities of innovators. View resource Previous item Next item

Person-centred Records is a collaboration between NHS Grampian and the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI). NHS Grampian has committed to the implementation of in-patient electronic record keeping that will provide a safer and more effective service for patients admitted to their hospitals. We worked with NHS Grampian hospital staff across all disciplines to design a single, person-centred, multi-disciplinary, electronic record that will follow the patient on their journey from admission to discharge. We employed design innovation methodologies to ensure that the recommended solutions were achieved with the person (patients and professionals) at the centre. < Return to resources Person-centred Records Bradley, Jay, Bruce, Angela and Rossi, G. Person-centred Records is a collaboration between NHS Grampian and the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI). NHS Grampian has committed to the implementation of in-patient electronic record keeping that will provide a safer and more effective service for patients admitted to their hospitals. We worked with NHS Grampian hospital staff across all disciplines to design a single, person-centred, multi-disciplinary, electronic record that will follow the patient on their journey from admission to discharge. We employed design innovation methodologies to ensure that the recommended solutions were achieved with the person (patients and professionals) at the centre. View resource Previous item Next item

The Rural Centre of Excellence for Digital Health and Care (RCE) ran a co-design and development project in Moray during 2023-2025. Together with citizens, staff, and third-sector groups the project aimed to understand current challenges with health and care needs and explore new ways to deliver important services using digital solutions. People seeking support want a better experience when using services, easier access, quicker decisions, and to be listened to. Two digital tools were co-designed, developed, and tested with staff and citizens in the Moray area to improve the experience of older people and unpaid carers looking for support. This report details the development journey for these tools and the insights the project uncovered. < Return to resources Care in Place – User Experience Evaluation Report Harkis, M., Chute, C., Bruce, A., Joseph, S.L., & Bradley, J. The Rural Centre of Excellence for Digital Health and Care (RCE) ran a co-design and development project in Moray during 2023-2025. Together with citizens, staff, and third-sector groups the project aimed to understand current challenges with health and care needs and explore new ways to deliver important services using digital solutions. People seeking support want a better experience when using services, easier access, quicker decisions, and to be listened to. Two digital tools were co-designed, developed, and tested with staff and citizens in the Moray area to improve the experience of older people and unpaid carers looking for support. This report details the development journey for these tools and the insights the project uncovered. View resource Previous item Next item

Angela BruceResearch Fellow < Return to team Angela Bruce Research Fellow Angela is a design researcher with expertise in co-design and visualisation of complex systems. Originally from the Shetland Isles, she has an interest in working in remote and rural contexts. She engages people to rethink current health and social care challenges while developing and delivering inclusive and participatory design approaches to digital health and care. With a background in Interior Architecture and Design for Services she has gained a wealth of experience since joining DHI in 2015. Angela is currently a Research Fellow with the Glasgow School of Art and is leading the co-design and citizen engagement for the Rural Centre of Excellence in Digital Health and Care which is part of the Moray Growth Deal. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

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

SCOTCAP, a DHI-led programme, developed a scalable national model for Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) as a GI diagnostic test in Scotland. It enabled early community screening, reduced hospital referrals, and involved NHS Highland, NHS Grampian, and NHS Western Isles. Endorsed by the 2018/19 Programme for Government. < Return to projects SCOTCAP Project impact First Innovation Partnership used to drive innovation scale up in NHS Scotland 4500 CCE Tests now completed in Scotland as part of core service offering Scottish project which created UK collaboration opportunities and responsible for driving forward CCE update in NHS England SCOTCAP, a DHI-led programme, developed a scalable national model for Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) as a GI diagnostic test in Scotland. It enabled early community screening, reduced hospital referrals, and involved NHS Highland, NHS Grampian, and NHS Western Isles. Endorsed by the 2018/19 Programme for Government. The Scottish Capsule Programme (SCOTCAP) was a service, technical and business transformation programme for DHI which delivered a scalable national service model; a roadmap outlining future options and a case for investment for the national scale-up of Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) as a GI Diagnostic Test in Scotland. SCOTCAP was regarded as an integral part of the national redesign of outpatient gastroenterology services as it enables early and effective screening in the community, avoiding unnecessary referrals for hospital outpatient appointments. SCOTCAP was endorsed by the Programme for Government 2018/19 and was an evaluation project involving three participating Health Boards - NHS Highland, NHS Grampian and NHS Western Isles. Summary This service innovation has: Enabled early and effective screening in the community Reduced the total cost of gastrointestinal diagnostics, avoided unnecessary referrals for outpatient appointments Eliminated unnecessary travel for patients Delivered an Innovation Partnership Framework to support innovative procurement for Public Services in Scotland One of the unique business innovation aspects of the project was the creation of Scotland’s first Innovation Partnership procurement contract. This enabled commissioning bodies to “partner” and work collaboratively with private sector companies to both develop and test a new service within the community. Significantly, these services could be rolled out across Scotland without the need for further procurement. In addition, this project tested and refined the business model working with the industry partner ‘Corporate Health’, to create a successful managed service and secure further inward investment and economic development in the North of Scotland. An evaluation was embedded within the CCE service rolled out across the three Health Board Regions and was a multicentre service evaluation of patients (presenting with GI symptoms to their GP and patients waiting for colonoscopy). The evaluation was to explore the efficiency, acceptability and effectiveness of a new Managed Service Delivery Model when deployed across three Health Board areas across the North of Scotland. This evaluation report was successfully delivered by University of Strathclyde academics with some key recommendations and observations for the next stage. Impact & value Successfully fulfilled all SCOTCAP Phase One deliverables including delivery of a Service Evaluation of CCE in Scotland reaching over 450 patients and corresponding Service Evaluation Supported partners by increasing Service Readiness Levels; undertaking a series of one-to-one interviews and insight driven service design workshops with SCOTCAP stakeholders to capture key learning from the Innovation phase to further inform the service and business case. Produced an interactive Service Model Blueprint and Report to support the next phase of implementation, the ‘Adoption Phase’. This Service Blueprint could be used in the next phase to co-produce a Change Pack and enhance Patient Information, to enable wider, national roll out of the CCE service delivery model. The SCOTCAP Programme was shortlisted for the Life Sciences Partnership Collaboration Award and won the 2019 Scottish Digital Health and Care Innovation Award, recognising excellence in this domain and partnership working with the service and industry. SCOTCAP was successfully transferred to Centre for Sustainability in 2022 with a view to embedding into Business as usual. Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources Medtronic EMEA pillcam colon capsule animation SCOTCAP Service Model Evaluation Scottish Health Technology Group (SHTG) reports - Second-generation colon capsule endoscopy (CCE-2) for the detection of colorectal polyps NHS Scotland Evaluation Of Colon Capsule Endoscopy PDF SCOTCAP - Scotland's Colon Capsule Endoscopy Service PDF SCOTCAP Implementation Support Pack PDF Colon capsule endoscopy - an innovative method for detecting colorectal pathology PDF Process Evaluation of a new Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) Service in North of Scotland PDF SCOTCAP Clinical evaluation protocol v2.0 Previous project Projects index page Next project

Lisa WelshProgramme Manager < Return to team Lisa Welsh Programme Manager Lisa is the Programme Manager for Digital Lifelines Scotland and works for Programme Management Services within NHS National Services Scotland. Digital Lifelines Scotland is a programme supported by the Digital Health and Care Directorate within the Scottish Government and managed by DHI. With a strong background in Project and Programme Management, Lisa has worked across a number of national initiatives within the Public Sector in both her current and previous roles. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

The Rural Centre of Excellence (RCE) in Moray, a pivotal Moray Growth Deal project, boasts cutting-edge facilities and cloud infrastructure supported by a £5 million UK Government investment. Aligned with the digital health and care agenda, the RCE aims to revitalize health services and spur economic recovery in Moray through research and innovation. This report provides an overview of education and training offerings in Moray pertinent to the digital health and care sector. < Return to resources Digital Health and Care Education and Training Provision in Moray Thomas, J., Rimpiläinen, S. The Rural Centre of Excellence (RCE) in Moray, a pivotal Moray Growth Deal project, boasts cutting-edge facilities and cloud infrastructure supported by a £5 million UK Government investment. Aligned with the digital health and care agenda, the RCE aims to revitalize health services and spur economic recovery in Moray through research and innovation. This report provides an overview of education and training offerings in Moray pertinent to the digital health and care sector. View resource Previous item Next item

Chris CharalambousSenior Design & Marketing Co-Ordinator < Return to team Chris Charalambous Senior Design & Marketing Co-Ordinator Chris is a versatile Graphic Designer and Illustrator with working experience in digital marketing design, campaign management, and corporate branding. He is a Graphic Design BA graduate with an MA in Design focused on multimedia cross-disciplinary design and a background in fine arts. Chris is the guardian of the DHI brand, responsible for shaping and upholding the identity, design, and branding across both online and offline marketing communications and assets. In addition, he serves as the deputy to the Head of Marketing and Communications. Chris also manages the in-house website development team at DHI, managing the development phases, integrating strategic features, and ensuring the website aligns with DHI’s vision and branding standards. Additionally, he directly supports both the Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster (DMHIC) and the Healthy Ageing Innovation Cluster (HAIC). Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

This final report provides an overview of the 'Discover and Define' workstream conducted by DHI from March to December 2022 under the Digital Lifelines Scotland program. It outlines the aims, process, and summarizes activities and findings from phases such as 'Scoping the project' and 'Mapping the current'. The report concludes with a synthesis of insights and themes from various perspectives, highlighting opportunities for digitally enabled services to support individuals with complex needs, informing the 'Develop' phase for co-designing future digital solutions and services. < Return to resources Digital Lifelines: DHI Discover and Define Raman, S., Simms, H., McIntyre, D. (ed.) & MacKenzie, M. (ed.) This final report provides an overview of the 'Discover and Define' workstream conducted by DHI from March to December 2022 under the Digital Lifelines Scotland program. It outlines the aims, process, and summarizes activities and findings from phases such as 'Scoping the project' and 'Mapping the current'. The report concludes with a synthesis of insights and themes from various perspectives, highlighting opportunities for digitally enabled services to support individuals with complex needs, informing the 'Develop' phase for co-designing future digital solutions and services. View resource Previous item Next item

ENVISION: The Digital Blueprint for a Smart Home of the Future sets out a practical, evidence-led framework for delivering homes that support health, wellbeing, independence and sustainability. Developed through DHI's Rural Centre of Excellence for Digital Health & Care Innovation, the report explores how digital health, low-carbon construction and adaptive design can be integrated to create future-ready homes that are affordable to run, aligned with net zero ambitions and designed around the needs of their residents. Complete a short form to access the report. < Return to resources ENVISION: The Digital Blueprint for a Smart Home of the Future ENVISION: The Digital Blueprint for a Smart Home of the Future sets out a practical, evidence-led framework for delivering homes that support health, wellbeing, independence and sustainability. Developed through DHI's Rural Centre of Excellence for Digital Health & Care Innovation, the report explores how digital health, low-carbon construction and adaptive design can be integrated to create future-ready homes that are affordable to run, aligned with net zero ambitions and designed around the needs of their residents. Complete a short form to access the report. View resource Previous item Next item

Design approaches to innovation in health and wellbeing offer an opportunity to accelerate innovation, embrace interdisciplinarity and embed users in development. Participatory design advocates involving users in the design process to achieve enhanced results in terms of efficiency and usability. The paper will discuss the challenges of applying novel creative approaches to accelerate participative innovation in health and wellbeing and offer some strategies for designers and design researchers who are working in this context. Conclusions are drawn about the need to understand how to better link upstream design research to implementation to further accelerate the rate at which transformative technology is embedded in health and care practice. < Return to resources Fast Forward: Accelerating Innovation in Health and Wellbeing Teal, Gemma and French, Tara Design approaches to innovation in health and wellbeing offer an opportunity to accelerate innovation, embrace interdisciplinarity and embed users in development. Participatory design advocates involving users in the design process to achieve enhanced results in terms of efficiency and usability. The paper will discuss the challenges of applying novel creative approaches to accelerate participative innovation in health and wellbeing and offer some strategies for designers and design researchers who are working in this context. Conclusions are drawn about the need to understand how to better link upstream design research to implementation to further accelerate the rate at which transformative technology is embedded in health and care practice. View resource Previous item Next item

The TEC requested a review of emerging trends in Digital Health and Care to inform future program direction in Scotland. The report captures the sector's position as of Autumn 2018, with trends likely to remain relevant for 3-5 years. While comprehensive, it's not exhaustive and hasn't undergone academic peer review. < Return to resources Review of Emerging Trends in Digital Health and Care: A report by the Digital Health and Care Institute Rooney, Laura and Rimpiläinen, Sanna and Morrison, Ciarán and Nielsen, Søren Lange The TEC requested a review of emerging trends in Digital Health and Care to inform future program direction in Scotland. The report captures the sector's position as of Autumn 2018, with trends likely to remain relevant for 3-5 years. While comprehensive, it's not exhaustive and hasn't undergone academic peer review. View resource Previous item Next item

Karen McloughlinProject Support Officer < Return to team Karen Mcloughlin Project Support Officer Karen joined DHI in July 2025 as Project Support Officer for the Rural Centre of Excellence and is based in Moray. With over 20 years of experience working in healthcare, she has developed a strong focus on community-led projects that champion person-centred care and ensure individuals have fair access to services that support their wellbeing. Her deep commitment to co-designed healthcare solutions is strengthened by her recent HND in Design and Innovation, and ongoing degree studies. She brings a passion for design and meaningful change—believing that the most effective services emerge when citizens are at the heart of shaping them. She is enthusiastic about supporting the transformational work of the Moray Growth Deal and contributing to DHI’s mission to create impactful, locally informed digital health and care innovations that reflect the real needs of the community. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page