We are pleased to announce a call for proposals on two exciting funding opportunities. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) are seeking proposals from colleges or universities to design, develop, and deliver modular training units that will support the emerging learning needs of the health and social care workforce in the Moray region as they manage changes associated with digital transformation at scale. The two funding calls are as follows: To increase the digital health and care knowledge and competencies of staff working with the exemplar smart housing initiative. It is envisaged that this module will comprise 2 units: An introductory course to increase the awareness and confidence of frontline staff around the role of digital technology in health and care delivery in Moray, and how this data is used in this context A more advanced course aimed at staff whose role involves prescribing digital technology and tools. Supporting health and care staff in developing design innovation skills, and skills and capabilities for change in a health and care context The successful academic institution(s) will ensure that all learning materials are made available under a CC BY-NC-SA Creative Commons license. We expect interested colleges or universities to provide us with a brief response document ( maximum 10 pages ) to each, clearly setting out their approach to these calls, with detail of associated costs. Learn more about the calls in the attached PDF:

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) , Finland, in collaboration with the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, warmly invites you to a special webinar on the 13th February 2025. Join us from 15:30 to 17:30 ( Finnish time! ) or 13:30 to 15:30 ( GMT, UK time! ) for an engaging session focused on the use of digital technologies in the education of future health and social care professionals. As part of KAMK’s annual (W) international Festival, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to participate in a live remote simulation education session designed for nursing students in rural areas. Additionally, you'll have the chance to explore cutting-edge wound care training using Virtual Reality (VR) developed by KAMK: https://www.cleversimulation.com/wounded We are also excited to welcome speakers from Edinburgh College , invited by DHI, who will showcase the innovative use of VR in Dementia Care training for healthcare professionals in Scotland: https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/facilities-and-services/learning-facilities/digital-care-hub How to join: To receive a Teams link to join the webinar, please email taina.romppanen@kamk.fi with the subject line "Please, send me a Teams link for the KAMK-DHI webinar" Please note, there may be a delay in receiving the link, as the process is not automated. Don't miss this chance to be part of an inspiring and informative event. We look forward to seeing you there! Agenda: UK Time Finnish Time Duration Item Who 13:30 15:30 15 mins Welcome and Introductions KAMK & DHI 13:45 15:45 25 mins  Remote Simulation KAMK Team 14:10 16:10 10 mins Comfort Break 14:20 16:20 20 mins WoundED VR Game KAMK Team 14:40 16:40 30 mins VR Dementia Hub Edinburgh College 15:10 17:10 20 mins Q&A / Discussion and next steps All 15:30 17:30 ENDS Thank You All

In this blog Chaloner Chute and Dr Tara French share the first of a series of scenarios developed from the outputs of co-design on the future of digital health and social care.   The ‘Digital Imagination’ series presents a collection of experience-led scenarios resulting from co-design and innovation projects in Scotland. The scenarios articulate the potential of digital in future health and social care – including the value, impact and implications on future interactions and experiences. Each scenario involves 3 composite ‘stories’ told from different perspectives of people across the health and social care landscape. The stories are presented in the style of a structured and unstructured persona to depict key challenges and opportunities. Through a scenario, we show how the stories interact and the interdependencies between needs and capabilities. What is a composite story? Composite stories are a technique used to reflect the experiences of different people in a single story. In this work, the stories have been created from lived experience co-design work involving people with different experiences of accessing and providing care and support in Scotland. In the first blog of the series we share a scenario focusing on a future virtual clinic using a dermatology example. The scenario includes stories from: a person with a routine need, a specialist working in a hospital setting and an industry software developer working on new digital health and care tools. You can read the full paper on the scenario and stories for a future virtual clinic here . The composite stories were created from the insights and concepts emerging from DHI funded co-design projects including the Modern Outpatient , Diabetes , AI dermatology work; projects funded through the Scottish Access Collaborative. Previous work has also identified a set of common ‘user requirements’ for person-centred digital care which articulate needs from the perspectives of people accessing and people providing care and support ( Chute, French, Raman, Bradley 2022 ). The digital dermatology scenario meets the needs of: User requirement for person-centred digital care Dermatology scenario (people with a routine need perspective) Trust in how others use my personal information When the GP takes a picture of part of my body, and I can consent for its use by a dermatologist (primary use) and for it to be used for research and development by the industry software developer (secondary use). Have an ongoing dialog with professionals outside of formal appointments, allowing me to ask questions on my own terms When a dermatologist gets in touch to discuss my needs, without me having to attend an appointment. This means I have the time and space to focus on what I need and communicate this effectively. Help me and the individual understand their condition better through the joint recording of, and access to, personal symptoms, triggers, medications, and test results When I can take, view, and share my own pictures and symptom diary to help both of us track the progress of my treatment. A dermatologist can help more people in this way, assisted by data-driven tools developed by the industry software developer. This approach shows the interrelationship across the stories and networked opportunities for digital health and care. The scenario helps us understand the data journey and how a whole system design can better meet the different needs surfaced through each story. What do the stories and scenarios mean to you? The Digital Imagination series helps people to imagine and design person-centred ‘digital’ care. The collection of scenarios and stories have been created based on a range of engagement and co-design projects. These have involved people with experience of accessing support for their health and wellbeing, people working across health and social care, and wider stakeholders across organisational sectors, academia, industry, and policy. The series has been created for people involved in digital health and care. ·For people accessing care and support the scenarios and stories can help to imagine what a digital future could look like and how person-centred digital care can be achieved. ·For people providing care and support the scenarios and stories can help to imagine how digital could be integrated in service design and provision, enabling joined up approaches to working leading to positive and efficient working experiences. For people trying to improve the system the scenarios and stories give insight into how future policy and projects can be better designed to achieve impact. To share your reflections or find out more – please contact: Chal.chute@dhi-scotland.com and tara.french@gov.scot Scenario and Stories Illustration Credit: Tessa Mackenzie

We are thrilled to announce that Digital Lifelines Scotland has been shortlisted for the Digital Inclusion Award   at Holyrood Connects Digital Health and Care Awards 2025. Digital Lifelines Scotland  addresses the unacceptable number of drug-related deaths in Scotland by improving health outcomes for people at risk of drug harm through digital inclusion and co-designed digital solutions. By working in partnership with organisations such as the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and Simon Community Scotland , the programme ensures that individuals have access to devices, connectivity, and digital skills. Since its inception, the programme has supported over 4,357 individuals  at risk of drug harm, distributed 2,684 devices  and 3,304 connectivity solutions , and upskilled more than 444 staff and volunteers  through the Digital Harm Reduction Champion scheme. This initiative not only empowers individuals to stay connected with family and services but also enables them to access essential resources, such as healthcare, education, and financial management tools. We are honoured to be recognised for our efforts in promoting digital inclusion as a pathway to harm reduction and improved quality of life. View shortlisted organisations Testimonials Grassmarket Community Project “One of the most significant outcomes of the project is that people feel more in control of their health and well-being. With the support of a device, people can make their health appointments, search for jobs, and perform Internet banking independently without relying on workers for assistance. Organisations also reported that this led to increased staff capacity, as they no longer need to perform these tasks for the individuals they support.” Angus Drug and Alcohol Partnership “Providing devices to service users has made a significant difference in their lives. Access to treatment can be implemented more quickly, therefore improving health outcomes. Harm reduction advice can be provided to service users regularly via telephone contact”

Appointment of Chair - DHI (682986) DHI was set up in 2013 as part of Scotland's network of Innovation Centres and is in receipt of long-term infrastructure investment funding by the Scottish Funding Council . DHI brings together people and organisations engaged in the provision of health and social care as well as industry, academia, design research sectors and citizens to support the transformation of health and care services through the application of digital innovation. Hosted by the University of Strathclyde, DHl’s mission is to improve the delivery of health and care services for Scotland’s communities by creating people-centric solutions to deliver better patient outcomes, while also creating economic benefits through the development and exploitation of digital technology. We are seeking to appoint a new Chair for DHI who will provide leadership, vision and direction to the Board and contribute to DHI making Scotland a global leader in digital health and care innovation. The Chair will have a proven track record of working at the Board level and will have an in-depth knowledge of the challenges facing health and social care sectors in the UK and globally together with a thorough understanding of the current and evolving digital health and care research and industry sectors.  For informal enquiries please contact Professor George Crooks , CEO of the DHI, at george.crooks@dhi-scotland.com   How to Apply: In order to apply for this position, please email a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), along with a cover letter setting out your interest in the role and how your skills and experience match the person specification to Stephanie Lumb, HR Manager for the Faculty of Science at stephanie.lumb@strath.ac.uk by Sunday 9th February 2025. Details: Department : Computer and Information Sciences Closing date: 09/02/2025 Closing time: 23:59 Please click below for further details: Click here to: Meet Our Current Board Members

Glasgow-based technology firm Archangel has recently secured a share of a £600,000 Smart & Connected Social Places (SCSP) 5G Innovation fund, with the support of the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, to deliver a groundbreaking integrated housing and care technology project in Biggar, South Lanarkshire. The scheme, for a retirement housing development, involves a partnership with DHI (Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre) and Bield Housing & Care and is one of eleven digital health and technology projects across the Glasgow City region to have benefited from the latest round of 5GIR (Innovation Regions) funding from the UK Government’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Covering retired individuals within 25 homes, the ‘Evaluating care delivery in rural settings’ project will last six months and involves a range of unobtrusive sensors placed around the development and inside each individual’s home to monitor property and wellbeing conditions such as temperature, humidity and motion. The data is then relayed immediately to Archangel’s ambient assisted living (AAL) technology platform and automatically monitored 24/7 to proactively address any potential issues that might arise in relation to the tenants or their living conditions. The sensors are connected via Angelnet, the Archangel certified partner, resilient connectivity network, with the data then becoming available to all stakeholders via the Archangel platform. Angelnet includes broadband, mobile and wireless LoRaWAN (Low power long range wide area network) connecting the IoT (Internet of Things) sensors within the properties and communal areas to provide a resilient, scalable and future-fit solution for housing and care by enabling wider connectivity. Janette Hughes, Director of Planning & Performance  at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, who alerted Archangel to the funding opportunity, added: “This is ultimately about making housing safer and more responsive to personal circumstances for communities and allowing people to live happier, longer and more secure lives in their own properties. It is fantastic to see a Scottish business securing this type of funding as our role as a national Innovation Centre is to support research and innovation in digital health and social to help the people of Scotland live longer, healthier lives while supporting businesses access new funding and business opportunities.” Tom Morton, Archangel’s CEO and Founder, explained: “Data related to social housing, health, care and wellbeing is currently fragmented across multiple vendor systems and siloed datasets. This disjointed approach creates inefficiencies and hinders the large-scale adoption of IoT due to the costs associated with numerous single-purpose systems and the specialised skills required to manage them. It also weakens efforts to support integrated healthy, sustainable home initiatives. “This project showcases a smarter more cost-efficient approach to resolve these challenges using social housing data collection and presentation from multiple IoT (Internet of Things) devices via a unified communication infrastructure. It offers a single, holistic view of individuals and their home environments, allowing for collective decision-making and timely interventions,” added Tom. Gavin Wright, Head of Property Management at Bield Housing, commented: “This project enables us to explore IoT expansion as part of our digital strategy and aligns closely with the Smart Social Housing initiative which aims to tackle a major challenge in housing, health and social care: the fragmentation of data across disconnected systems.” Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “A key objective of South Lanarkshire’s Local Housing Strategy is that people with particular needs are better supported to live independently within the community in a suitable, sustainable home. The integrated deployment of digital technologies will have an increasingly important role in this and I am looking forward to sharing the lessons learnt from this project across our local authority area, the wider Glasgow City Region and the country as a whole.”

With the level of drug related deaths (DRD) across the UK (and Scotland in particular) having reached crisis point, innovative solutions are being sought to address this challenge. This led to the establishment of Scotland’s Digital Inclusion for Drug Related Death Prevention Group - an inclusive network of non-commercial stakeholders – interested in exploring the opportunities of using Telehealthcare and digital technology to reduce drug related deaths (DRD). This collaborative network brings together a wealth of skills, experience and knowledge and comprises representatives from: Drugs Research Network Scotland (DRNS) Drug Deaths Taskforce Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) NHS Lothian Scottish Government, Digital Health & Care Division Scottish Drugs Forum University of Stirling University of St Andrews Aberdeen City Alcohol and Drug Partnership “Collaborative innovation to address key health and social care challenges is central to our strategy in  Health Innovation SE Scotland . Drug related deaths are a clear priority and under-researched area given current trends and the links to social deprivation and inequality. This programme provides a real opportunity to improve care and support for people at risk of this tragic cause of death. The programme is an excellent fit for the collaborative working between academic, NHS, social care, and private sector partners which we believe can provide innovative solutions to improve the lives of our citizens.” [Professor Tim Walsh. Director of Research & Innovation NHS Lothian and HISES] Moira Mackenzie, Deputy CEO of the DHI advised “ innovative collaborations like this are invaluable in creating opportunities to utilise technological advances for societal good ”. Tele-healthcare “Telehealth involves the use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver health care outside of traditional health-care facilities.” [World Health Organisation] The last decade has seen considerable investment and interest in tele-healthcare solutions to supporting independent living for the frail, elderly and those with long term conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy. No bespoke product is yet commercially available in the UK for the detection of overdose and prevention of DRD.  However, there are several products with potential for the target population of people who use drugs. Vital signs monitoring Technology to monitor vital signs is an obvious application to consider. All opiates supress respiration.  In an overdose the rate of breathing falls such that there is insufficient oxygen in the blood to supply vital organs and the heart stops.  This effect will be accentuated if there has been ingestion of other sedatives such as benzodiazepines or alcohol. There are a few vital sign monitoring devices which are being tested and explored for DRD prevention.  The technologies involved include: Movement/accelerometers for gross motor movement Pulse oximetry which measures blood oxygen levels Heart rate monitors Electrodermal activity which measure skin temperature and sweating Respiration movement– using either sonar or radar Heart rate monitors These technologies are included in devices which can be worn as chest straps/arm monitors/wristband; finger sensors (blood oxygen) and patches that measure ECG and respiration. Challenges to using this technology Having a sufficiently quick response to emergency situations The increasing number of ageing people who use drugs and live alone There has been a rise (in Scotland) in cases in which benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids are implicated in DRD. This may alter the physiological manifestation and time between drug(s) being ingested and overdose effect Acceptability of any potential devices to the target population. Consultation with people with lived experience indicated some people may be wary about wearing any monitors in case of data sharing or police tracking Opportunities to using this technology The big technology companies who operate in the wearables and telehealth sector have not yet shown interest in this application of their technology.  Development thus far has been through small start-up and university spin-off companies but the time to secure the required approvals and licenses for new medical devices may be a barrier for bespoke DRD tele-healthcare devices in the UK. Using existing technologies provides an expedient opportunity if we are to harness the benefits of technology in our current DRD crisis. The Current Situation The types of tele-healthcare currently being tested or considered for people at risk of DRD are: Wearables –wristbands, patches, tags for DRD prevention Room monitors: smartphone apps, monitors for DRD prevention Alert Buttons for emergency response to DRD Smartphone apps for naloxone network emergency response Smartphone apps for information on overdose prevention Smart phone apps for recovery support Professor Catriona Matheson, Chair of the Drug Deaths Taskforce said,  “the application of technology in this area in Scotland is currently very limited and must be developed at pace to meet the challenge of reducing DRD.” Testing and implementing technological contributions to a reduction in DRD in a timely and effective manner will need buy-in from professionals working with people, technologists as well as policy makers. The Drugs Research Network Scotland (DRNS) are coordinating the development and testing of tele-healthcare via the Digital Inclusion for DRD prevention group. If you are keen to develop collaborations in this area, are involved or interested in testing or developing any such technology please get in touch . Blog author: Catriona Matheson, Health Research Consultant, Professor of Substance Use, University of Stirling

Karim Mahmoud , Commercial Innovation Lead, Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre Ask most people to tell you about the impact of research, and they’ll probably mention breakthroughs in medical treatments or cutting-edge advances in technology.    What many don’t realise is that the benefits are far more fundamental and far-reaching to ordinary people in everyday life – improving systems, driving change, and ensuring progress in areas that will never move forward without it.    It’s even more effective when communities themselves take the lead and invest in using co-design to shape future services and research.    Community-based research is an innovative approach and is already making a difference right here in Scotland to address one of the world’s most pressing issues – mental health.    Globally, more than one billion people are affected by mental health challenges, and Scotland is no exception. Close to £1 million is being invested to reframe the conversation around mental health from one of deficit and stigma to one of strength and connection – a concept of ‘Mental Wealth’. On the ground, The Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray could lead to tangible changes in services, transforming lives.   The Community Research Networks programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and delivered by The Young Foundation, is enabling communities to lead research and has funded a new network here in Scotland. Bringing together an impressive coalition of partners, the Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray , led by the Moray Wellbeing Hub CIC and co-founded by Scotland’s National Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre , will bring together a number of other local partners – including local peer researchers – to measure the impact of new approaches to mental health challenges and advance the concept of ‘Mental Wealth’.    This approach will ensure that the project remains rooted in the needs and strengths of the community and help drive the impact of this initiative not just for the local area – for people everywhere. Moray, with its diverse communities and landscapes – from rural hamlets to larger towns – is an ideal testing ground. In addition, the programme is capacity building for research, equipping local people with transferable skills in research methodologies, data collection, and analysis, and how to conduct community research. The resulting ripple effect strengthens the community’s resilience and equips it to address future challenges independently, while also creating employment through community researchers.   More importantly, this kind of initiative empowers individuals to take ownership of their community’s challenges and actively participate in solving them. It deepens trust and engagement, fostering a sense of agency that can sustain long-term progress. By reframing mental health as Mental Wealth, the project encourages a positive and inclusive dialogue, reducing stigma and fostering proactive engagement.   The Rural Centre of Excellence for Digital Health & Care Innovation is part of Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre and is based in Moray. Through this centre of excellence, DHI is driving innovation in health and social care and stimulating new ways of engagement in research and innovation and testing new concepts with the aim of scaling these to other regions in Scotland and beyond, putting Moray on the map as a hub of innovation and change for wellbeing. By advancing equitable forms of research and innovation, we are contributing to Scotland’s position as a global pioneer in innovation – a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of the community.  Read the article: The Herald article can be found here

Exploring the Future of Digital Skills in Health and Care – Collaboration, Innovation, and Preparing the Next Generation The #DigiFest24 Skills Webinar , a satellite event of Scotland’s annual Digital Health and Care Fest, brought together experts to address the critical digital skills agenda in health and social care. Organised by the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI)  in collaboration with partners, the session underscored the urgent need to build a digitally competent workforce to address ongoing challenges and future opportunities. The event began with an overview of the digital transformation in health and care, led by Fiona Bates  from the Scottish Funding Council , who provided a strategic perspective. She highlighted the critical role of innovation centres like DHI in addressing Scotland’s skills needs, emphasising the importance of partnerships with academia and industry to foster knowledge exchange and long-term skills development. Dr Sanna Rimpiläinen from DHI  explored the radical shifts in workforce requirements due to digital transformation, citing the effects of Brexit, COVID-19, and global trends. She underscored the need for personalised care, data autonomy for citizens, and an emphasis on prevention and well-being, all of which demand a digitally skilled and agile workforce. Sanna pointed out gaps in the talent pipeline and the importance of embedding digital competencies across all educational and professional levels. Pauline Rae from NHS Grampian  delved into the digital skills required for health and care delivery, showcasing how technology is transforming services such as telemedicine, data sharing, and robotics. She emphasised the importance of fostering digital confidence and literacy among staff, paired with strong leadership to support technological change. The social care perspective was presented by Jess Elsey from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) , who detailed the unique challenges in recruiting and upskilling the workforce. She highlighted initiatives like the SSSC Learning Zone and 23 Things Digital, which are helping social care workers adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Jess stressed the importance of digital leadership and the potential of technology to improve efficiency and service delivery. Further insights were shared by Dylan White  representing the NHS Youth Academy , who introduced Foundation Apprenticeships as a vital tool for bringing young people into health and social care. He outlined how these programmes combine classroom learning with hands-on placements, allowing students to experience the sector first-hand and develop critical digital and interpersonal skills. Olivia Dunbar highlighted the #DigiInventorsChallenge , a programme that engages young people in developing innovative solutions to health and care challenges. She shared how the initiative inspires creativity, builds entrepreneurial skills, and promotes awareness of digital careers, creating a vital talent pipeline for the sector. David Grier and Kirstine Hale from Skills Development Scotland showcased the My World of Work platform, which supports career exploration by providing tools, resources, and information to help individuals understand career pathways, including those in digital health and care. Their presentation highlighted the importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed career choices. John Eden from NES introduced the Careers Opportunities Tool for social care, which maps out diverse career paths within the sector. He emphasised the tool’s role in supporting recruitment and retention by helping individuals identify roles aligned with their skills and aspirations. From Fife College , Hazel Brannigan  demonstrated how colleges are embedding digital learning into their courses. She showcased the use of virtual reality tools and technology-enabled care training, highlighting their role in preparing students for the digitally transformed workplaces of health and care. Professor Ellie Hothersall from Dundee Medical School  reflected on how the medical curriculum is evolving to equip future doctors with the digital skills and adaptability required in an AI-driven world. She emphasised the shift from teaching traditional knowledge to fostering lifelong learning, professional values, and critical thinking to navigate a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Closing the webinar, Greg Moran, a thought leader in digital health and formerly of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH)   provided an Australian perspective, reflecting on similar challenges and opportunities in integrating digital health skills. He praised Scotland's collaborative approach but cautioned about the need for clarity in career pathways and greater visibility of roles in digital health to attract future talent. The event concluded with a recognition that while significant progress has been made in Scotland, addressing the digital skills agenda requires sustained collaboration, strategic planning, and consistent effort across sectors. The discussions highlighted a shared commitment to equipping Scotland’s workforce with the skills to thrive in a digitally transformed health and care environment.   Summary: The #DigiFest24 Skills Webinar, a satellite event of Scotland’s Digital Health and Care Fest, explored the critical need to address digital skills gaps in health and social care. Experts from DHI, NHS, SSSC, education, and industry highlighted the importance of fostering digital literacy, leadership, and critical thinking across all levels—from school to professional practice. Discussions centred on leveraging technology to transform services, attract future talent, and retain a resilient workforce amid global challenges. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the session underscored Scotland’s commitment to building a digitally skilled workforce for the future of health and care. DHI SKILLS FEST FOR #DIGIFEST24

In 2024, DHI continued its Digital Health and Social Care Scholarships Programme. This year, the Scottish Funding Council increased its funding award to DHI from 20 to 23 full-time equivalent places. We are delighted to announce that all of these scholarship places have been successfully allocated, enabling 32 students to study subjects related to the digital transformation of health and care across nine Scottish Higher Education Institutions in nine subject areas. These include the Universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow School of Art, Highlands and Islands, St Andrews, Stirling, Strathclyde, West of Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, and Robert Gordon University. The master's courses include subjects in data science, health and social care leadership, sports science, and health psychology; 12 of the students are current health and social care professionals studying part-time. In 2025-26, DHI will open a new round of funding. If you are interested in undertaking master’s studies, learn more here  or email us at: scholarships@dhi-scotland.com

Over the past three months, I’ve been part of a diverse and dynamic cohort of women from across Scotland’s tech ecosystem, representing public, private, and third-sector organisations, taking part in the Empowering Women to Lead Digital Transformation  programme.  I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, not only from a professional development opportunity perspective, but also being given the chance to connect with like-minded women, each bringing their own unique perspective, expertise, and energy. The relationships forged through this experience feel like a lifelong network of support, collaboration, and inspiration. Crucially for me, the   programme   didn’t just teach us about leadership — by creating a welcoming and supportive environment it showed us the value of lifting each other up and building inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Working in smaller teams, our journey culminated in a graduation event in Edinburgh, where we presented our Challenge Projects to industry peers.  My team were tasked with exploring the ways in which emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping workplaces across Scotland, looking specifically at areas such as the fears and risks around AI replacing the workforce, and how AI is shaping different industries.  In addition to presenting our findings, we drafted a blog post which looked at specific applications and approaches to using AI from our collective experiences. This graduation marks the end of a chapter, but also the beginning of a new journey - here’s to breaking barriers, building communities, and leading the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech sector!

Digital Lifelines Scotland is holding a Parliamentary reception at Holyrood, sponsored by Clare Haughey MSP, on the evening of 13th March 2025. The event will highlight the success and impact of the programme to date and make a compelling case for the initiative to progress into its next phase.   The reception will be a showcase of the powerful way digital services and a focus on digital inclusion has enabled support for people who use drugs. Reflecting on the previous 4 years of Digital Lifelines Scotland, we will showcase the positive change the programme has facilitated across the sector.     We will illustrate how organisations and their workforces have gained new skills and maximised their service offering. We will demonstrate how digital inclusion has people who use drugs at the centre of their care and well-being and has become an essential enabler for people previously excluded to access support and be included and connected.     Partners from across Scotland will attend to share their learning and insights and feature the creative storytelling project, which empowers the people who are at the heart of what we do to tell their own stories, on their own terms, and to have their voices heard.  If you are interested in attending this invitation-only reception, please contact the programme team

DHI have recently welcomed our Step Up To Net Zero (SUTNZ) placement. The SUTNZ programme is delivered by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, and fully funded by Glasgow City Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (the UK SPF). This initiative provides funded support to help organisations take actions towards net zero and circular goals. Over the next few months, the placement will support our work in Priority Action Area 6 – Contribution to Net Zero. This is a relatively new area of priority for DHI, and we will identify specific opportunities where we can do more to increase and accelerate our contribution to net zero targets in support of addressing climate change. We look forward to sharing the lessons learned from these activities with the wider network to support knowledge exchange. Learn more about the Step Up To Net Zero initiative here .

AI is no longer just a futuristic concept; it’s transforming the way we live and work. But how exactly does it influence working practices, and what challenges and opportunities does it bring? This blog explores some examples of how AI is shaping different industries and considers the steps needed to ensure a successful transition. Health and care: an extra pair of (digital) hands Scotland's health and care sector is witnessing huge transformative changes due to AI. However, while fears about job displacement linger, AI’s role here is more of a supportive one. Imagine administrative AI systems that handle routine patient documentation, appointment scheduling, and preliminary assessments. This shift allows healthcare professionals to redirect their time and skills toward patient interactions and complex case management. Moreover, AI's data analysis capabilities can enhance clinical decision-making by identifying patterns and early warning signs that might otherwise be overlooked. While AI can streamline many processes, its role is complementary, ensuring that the human touch remains central to patient care. As healthcare evolves, training and upskilling staff to work effectively with these technologies will be crucial for maximising the benefits of AI. "AI tools can help create a more efficient, responsive, and supportive environment for frontline staff. This makes life easier for health and care professionals by saving time, reducing errors, and improving patient safety by connecting data efficiently. Ultimately, this leads to better informed and faster working practices in health and care." - Dr Sanna Rimpiläinen, Head of Research and Skills, Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre Higher Education: adapting to a new era Universities are also experiencing the transformative effects of AI, employing the technology to automate administrative processes and optimise data analysis - freeing staff to focus on teaching, mentorship, and innovative research. The University of Edinburgh, for instance, has established comprehensive guidance for staff, allowing them to navigate AI’s potential within clear boundaries. Platforms such as the Edinburgh Language Models AI Platform  and Oxford’s AI Competency Centre  provide safe spaces for staff to experiment and upskill, ensuring that professionals are prepared for evolving roles in a digitally driven academic environment. “The impact of AI on organisations is hard to anticipate as the technology is rapidly evolving. Providing staff with up-to-date guidance is an important step to raise awareness, encourage debate, and give colleagues the confidence to navigate emerging opportunities and challenges.” - Professor Michael Rovatsos, Personal Chair of Artificial Intelligence, The University of Edinburgh Scottish Government: transforming policy work Policymaking in the public sector relies on extensive record keeping and understanding current context. AI could revolutionise this by providing tools that summarise historical documents and help civil servants synthesise insights faster. This shift could enhance the efficiency of policy development, allowing civil servants to focus more on strategic analysis and less on manual data retrieval. Departments such as the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology are already investing in AI incubator projects  aimed at transforming how civil servants work. Yet, challenges remain: budget constraints, skills gaps, and legacy systems can slow AI adoption in public services. Overcoming these hurdles will require not just technological solutions but also a cultural shift toward innovation and learning. Renewable Energy: pioneering AI for sustainability Scotland’s renewable energy landscape has been a leader in embracing AI for a more sustainable future. A standout example is SSE’s partnership with Microsoft, Avanade, and NatureScot, which used AI to monitor puffin populations along the Scottish coastline. This innovative approach, which earned a Scottish Green Energy Award for Innovation , highlights how AI can automate wildlife tracking, providing critical data while freeing human resources for higher-value analysis. AI also has a promising role in improving operational efficiency for renewable energy projects, from predictive maintenance of wind turbines to optimising energy distribution. However, as energy leaders explore these frontiers, they must grapple with governance and data quality to ensure robust and reliable AI solutions. IT Consultancy and Public Sector Support: an evolution in service delivery For IT support and consultancy, AI is a game changer. Tasks such as automated code writing, documentation, ticket management, and troubleshooting can now be handled by AI-driven systems, reducing response times and improving accuracy. The Scottish government and transport sectors, for instance, could leverage AI-powered customer service bots to address routine queries, allowing human agents to focus on complex, high-stakes interactions. Moreover, predictive analytics can transform IT support by foreseeing potential system issues before they escalate. This proactive approach not only reduces downtime but also enhances the overall customer experience. Yet, as with all sectors, adopting AI in public IT services will require investment in updating infrastructure and applications, staff training and a clear strategy to address data privacy and security concerns and fostering an AI-ready culture within the organisation. The road ahead From these examples, it’s clear that AI’s integration into different industry sectors brings with it an array of opportunities for greater efficiency, enhanced job satisfaction, and innovative approaches to long-standing challenges. However, successful adoption requires more than just the technology—it calls for strategic planning, upskilling the workforce, and embracing a culture that’s open to change. Ultimately, AI offers the opportunity to work smarter, not harder, across diverse fields – and if AI can count puffins, who knows what else it might do?

There was a palpable buzz and determination in the air at Edinburgh College on Wednesday, November 27th, following the first Innovation Centres’ Roadshow of 2024-25. This event marked a significant step towards fostering strategic collaboration across institutions and sectors for innovation and skills development in East of Scotland. The day brought together Scotland’s four national innovation centres (ICs) to unveil their ambitious 10-year plans, relaunch their skills and workforce development agendas, and highlight the support they offer to colleges and universities. Organised by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), the roadshow day provided an in-depth look at the digital transformation of health and care. The morning began with a warm welcome from Jon Buglass, Vice Principal of Innovation Planning & Performance at Edinburgh College. Opening remarks were delivered by Janette Hughes , Director of Planning & Performance at DHI, followed by a strategic keynote address from Fiona Bates, Senior Policy Officer at the Scottish Funding Council . The presentations on the Innovation Centres’ 10-year strategies set the stage for a lively and insightful panel debate. This discussion, hosted by Dr Sanna Rimpiläinen , Head of Research & Skills at DHI, delved into the impact of digital transformation on the health and social care workforce, focusing on the evolving skills and capabilities required. The panel featured representatives from both the health and social care sectors and regional further and higher education institutions. A recording of the presentations and the panel debate will be available soon. During lunch, attendees had the opportunity to network and tour the college’s Digital Care Hub. The afternoon sessions included breakout discussions dedicated to each of the four innovation centres, exploring their specific areas of interest. Additionally, the college hosted a VR Dementia workshop, offering a hands-on experience of innovative care solutions. The day concluded with a fireside chat featuring representatives from Edinburgh City Chambers , Skills Development Scotland , and Edinburgh College. This reflective session focused on the day’s learnings and the future of innovation and skills development in the East of Scotland. This event was the first of four regional Innovation Centres’ Roadshow events planned over the next 9-12 months. Each IC will lead one regional event, focusing on their respective domains. The next event will be organised by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) in the South, followed by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) in the West, and The Data Lab in the North. Stay tuned for dates, times, and locations!

A digital inclusion day was held at UHI Moray on Saturday the 26th of October by the ‘We are Digital: Moray’ group, of which the Rural Centre for Excellence (RCE) is a main partner along with Moray Council and the Third Sector. The key aim of the day was to showcase the range of digital opportunities available locally and introduce people to the positive benefits digital can bring to everyday life. As part of the event, Angela Bruce and Sonya Lizbeth-Joseph, design researchers from the RCE, partnered with Dr Tara French, Digital Inclusion and Design Lead for Scottish Government, to design a pop-up engagement on the use of digital technology to support health and wellbeing. Through the interactive pop-up titled ‘What ‘Digi’ think?’, researchers invited people living in Moray to share their thoughts on: their attitudes towards digital; where they would go for support with digital in Moray; and how can the people of Moray be supported to use digital as part of their health and wellbeing in the future. The pop-up event was a notable success with approximately 40 people contributing, bringing valuable insights from community members on digital challenges and needs. It created a space for open dialogue, allowing participants to voice their concerns and ideas, which will help in shaping future digital support and infrastructure tailored to the community’s needs. The engagement level demonstrated a clear interest in improving digital literacy, infrastructure, and safety, marking the event as a meaningful step towards community-centred digital inclusion. For more information on the RCE activity in Moray please contact: marie.simpson@dhi-scotland.com For more information about We are Digital please contact:  getdigital@moray.gov .uk

Janette Hughes, UKTIN Health and Social Care Working Group Chair, Director of Planning and Performance, Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre Glasgow Few sectors, if any, have been subject to as much sweeping change – and strain – as health and social care. The recent report by Lord Darzi into the NHS in England found that the health service is in “critical condition” and needs urgent reform in order to survive. Central to the report is the need to shift care to the left – away from hospitals and into home and community settings. Embracing technology also features strongly, with Darzi highlighting how the NHS needs to undertake a major tilt towards technology to unlock productivity. In particular, Darzi points out how the hundreds of thousands of NHS staff working outside hospitals urgently need the benefits of digital systems, and how there is enormous potential in AI to transform care. Despite significant progress in the NHS’s digital transformation, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of digitisation and connectivity still exists within the sector and is far from the only challenge it faces. The UK’s ageing population and rises in complex comorbidities mean more than 70% of the NHS budget has been used for long-term condition management. In social care too, demand for services is increasing, along with pressures on budgets and significant concerns around recruitment and digital skills. Enabling more inclusive, accessible care Technology can play a significant role in tackling these challenges, and helping facilitate more inclusive, accessible care for all. Key to enabling this are robust, secure advanced connectivity solutions, such as 5G. 5G’s increased bandwidth and reduced latency supports multiple technologies and services at the same time, over the same network. For the NHS, video streaming and the sharing of medical imagery in real-time enables long distance consultations, training, collaboration and support – driving efficiency, reducing costs and pollution associated with travel, and ensuring patients are seen in a timely and equitable manner, in an environment that suits them best. Advanced connectivity solutions can also help the NHS improve its estate management, with the health service accounting for about 40% of all public sector emissions in the UK. Leveraging 4G and 5G to deploy energy monitoring sensors, occupancy sensors and smart lighting can help the NHS better manage and significantly reduce its power consumption, in turn helping optimise its energy usage and cut costs accordingly. In social care, 4G and 5G connectivity supports sensors that can be used by care workers to monitor wellbeing and health in the community for both patients, carers and the vulnerable. This ensures essential services can not only continue as 2G, 3G and analogue connectivity is phased out, but also be expanded to support medication adherence, predictive monitoring and tools to tackle social isolation and loneliness. Overall, advanced connectivity solutions will support a broad-scale health and social care service innovation, as services shift from treatment settings towards a more distributed, preventative-focused model of care. Increasing connectivity for all 5G is a dynamic, scalable network platform that adds connectivity to health and social care networks, easily connecting complex sites, third-party organisations and remote medical and care workers, while providing the reliable connectivity required for telehealth and telecare services. 5G also enables essential integration and cross-department interoperability, connecting small and medium-sized private providers and the interwoven layers of specialisms that make up the NHS and social care. Furthermore, some health and social care applications, such as monitoring in the home, need service-level agreements that would be cost prohibitive or unavailable under commercial agreements. Deploying private 4G or 5G networks, either within hospital settings or communities, can make services accessible to all, and offer a more affordable alternative to high bandwidth charges over commercial networks. Such an approach has been pioneered by Liverpool 5G which deployed a 5G network in Kensington, one of the most socially deprived parts of the city. The real world impact of joined-up digital healthcare One example of just how important connectivity is in enabling a shift from reactive to preventative care can be seen in Plymouth, where Plymouth Community Homes, Plymouth’s largest social housing landlord, is working closely with integrated health and social care specialists at Livewell Southwest, and the Centre for Health Technology, to develop the UK’s largest community living lab. The living lab setup brings together industry, academia, health and social care, and citizens and local authorities, funded by Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration program. In doing so, it lets them explore not just tech propositions and how they might work in theory, but how these ideas actually fare when rolled out in the real world and whether they are ready for adoption and scale. These tech propositions include sensors, which can be used to tell if a dementia patient has been trying to leave the house in the middle of the night; wearables, which can detect if a person has fallen; and electricity usage data, which could show for example whether an older resident hasn’t been using their fridge or oven as often as they might usually, which could be a sign of reduced appetite, and something worth checking on. Such technologies, powered by connectivity solutions, are helping people stay safer, happier and more independent, as well as reduce the burden on stretched carers, supporting them to work smarter and enabling the delivery of person-centred care when it’s needed, even in the face of staff shortages. With the help of advanced connectivity, this new generation of solutions can help safeguard our existing social care services and build on the critical work already being done by the sector. Article: https://www.healthtechdigital.com/the-crucial-role-of-advanced-connectivity-in-health-and-social-care/

On Wednesday 30th October, bachelor’s students from Years 2 and 3 of the School of Innovation and Technology at Glasgow School of Art began an elective on Digital Health and Care, focusing on person-centred digital care records, and building on design research and co-design undertaken by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI). This elective invites students to explore how digital records can be tailored to three specific health and care contexts to meet the needs of: people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), care-experienced young people, and people living with frailty.    Supported by DHI’s design team, students will develop insights, take a critical lens to the topic, and explore innovative approaches to concepts surrounding digital care records. Their design proposals and outputs will be showcased in an exhibition at the Innovo building on Friday, 13th December, from 10:00 to 12:30. This event is a fantastic opportunity for the students to present their speculative designs and for attendees to engage with fresh perspectives on digital care records.   More information about the School of Innovation and Technology at Glasgow School of Art, including the upcoming open day, can be found  here .

DHI is delighted to contribute to this new special report examining the digital healthcare landscape in Scotland. In this special report HTN examines the landscape of digital healthcare in Scotland now at present and for the future, as well as speaking to representatives from the Scottish Government, NHS National Services Scotland and Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, to hear their views on projects and priorities. The report covers: Key focuses for Scotland: Jonathan Cameron, deputy director for digital health and care at The Scottish Government Insight from InterSystems:  Colin Henderson , country manager for UK and Ireland at InterSystems UKI How Scotland is using data for healthcare:   Albert King , chief data officer at NHS National Services Scotland NHS Scotland digital transformation  – right data, right people, right place: Identity and access management Imprivata The innovation landscape in Scotland:   Grant Reilly FCIM , Head of Communications & Marketing at Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre Digital Healthcare Innovation in Scotland: To find out more about digital healthcare in Scotland from an innovation perspective, we spoke with Grant Reilly, Head of Communications & Marketing at Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI). The centre is a world-leading collaboration between the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Strathclyde, funded by the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government. With a vision of using research and innovation in digital health and social care to create sustainable services, develop future skills and positively impact people’s lives and health outcomes, DHI works with industry, health and social care providers, academia, the public sector and citizens to create collaborations and co-design person-centred solutions. Additionally, the centre undertakes its own research, facilitates international knowledge exchange and publishes academic outputs to support healthcare wherever it can. Grant shared some of the main programmes DHI has been involved with, including SCOTCAP – the use of video capsule technology, which patients can swallow to reduce the need for invasive colonoscopy procedures: “This particularly helps people in rural communities as they travel long distances to undergo an uncomfortable and stressful procedure. By identifying people who could benefit most from this non-invasive approach, delivered in the local community, we wanted to explore whether we could speed up diagnosis, reduce the need for further invasive investigations and of course remove the need for that travel “In this case, the camera pill technology was already there; working with a German company trialling this technology for the investigation of large bowel disease in Denmark, we identified a research team based in Inverness that was keen to transform how patients could benefit from this innovative approach. This involved the need for careful research into clinical safety and effectiveness of the investigation, but equally importantly developing an efficient service delivery model for the delivery of a community-based service that was acceptable to patients and clinicians alike. There was also a need to develop a business model that demonstrated that this approach was affordable, but that it could actually reduce the cost of the investigation and reduce the negative impact on the environment from less use of chemicals, plastics and other items needed to deliver the more invasive hospital service. We did lots of trial work up in the Highlands with remote communities to prove that it worked, and it has now been adopted and scaled across Scotland. "Other reported benefits include enabling early and effective screening in the community; reducing the total cost of gastrointestinal diagnostics; and avoiding unnecessary referrals for outpatient appointments. We’re now looking at how we can use AI to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and speed up the delivery of results for the patients,” Grant shared. DHI has a research team in place, carrying out international research on behalf of project partners; and facilitates Scotland’s innovation clusters, with a focus at present on healthy ageing and digital mental health. New clusters planned for the future include diabetes and women’s health. When it comes to the impact of DHI’s work on staff, Grant said: “We’ve developed digital tools that have supported health and social care staff at all levels in decision-making by providing decision support services – for example, dose calculators for specialist medicines, as well as instant access to national clinical guidelines and triage and assessment tools.” For patients, he reflected that the benefits are widespread; SCOTCAP, as an example, brings many direct benefits to patients from reduced travel to reduced stress and discomfort . “We’ve also provided products for the general public to support them in making better-informed choices with regards to their own health,” he added. “We’re very citizen-focused at DHI; everything comes back to the question of how we can support patient outcomes or experience.” On data, Grant shared that DHI is currently working on a new approach that will aim to ensure people have access to their data and information, including “grey area data” such as insights from fitness, sleep or nutrition tracking apps that the citizen may be using themselves; but may not see themselves as in control of their data. “By blending health and care data with personal data provided by the person and their families, we can better personalise services to meet their individual needs,” . Grant said. “There’s a lot of value in that data, and we want to empower patients by better utilising it. So that’s a focus for us going forward.” On the topic of the future, Grant shared that DHI has recently been funded for a further 10 years and has developed a strategy with seven key strategic priority areas. These include supporting the transformation of health and social care; developing a digital infrastructure as national assets to de-risk innovation; enhancing Scotland’s connected ecosystem through cross-sectoral innovation clusters; developing a future skills pipeline to deliver workforce capabilities for Scotland’s future; extending commercial engagement to support economic growth; supporting health and care contribution towards net zero; and enhancing Scotland’s international reputation when it comes to research and innovation. “Ultimately, we are bringing together the capabilities that new digital technologies can bring, with the real everyday challenges being experienced by the people of Scotland,” Grant concluded, “along with those tasked with managing and delivering services. We’re focused on designing, developing and deploying new products and services that can empower and activate people to make better-informed health and wellbeing choices, and we are focusing on prevention and keeping people healthy and happy at home and in their communities.” Further reading The full article can be found here: https://htn.co.uk/2024/10/14/digital-healthcare-in-scotland-news-strategies-insights-and-more/

Interface Press Release - 10th October, 2024  Scotland’s premier knowledge exchange awards launch today, celebrating 10 years of exceptional, inspiring and ground-breaking business-academic people and partnerships. The awards will be the biggest yet with two new categories, bringing the total number of categories to 10. We’re excited to reconnect with past winners in the lead-up to the awards, sharing spotlights on their journeys and celebrating how they continue to drive innovation forward. Business Minister, Richard Lochhead, said: “Supported by the Scottish Government, Interface plays an important role connecting businesses to the expertise of our world leading academic institutions, helping drive economic growth. These annual awards, commendably in their 10th year, are an opportunity to highlight important success stories and put the spotlight on Scotland’s entrepreneurial and research excellence.” Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, which organises the annual awards, said: “This is a significant year for the awards, and we are planning a special celebration in March. The introduction of two new categories, Place-based Impact and Inward Investment Impact, reflects the growing range of collaborations between businesses and academia. We are pleased with how the awards are evolving, firmly establishing themselves as a valued platform for celebrating knowledge exchange. I encourage everyone from both business and academia to enter." The 10 awards categories are: ·       Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Limited ·       Innovator of the Future ·       Inward Investment Impact – sponsored by International Social Enterprise Observatory ·       Knowledge Exchange Champion – sponsored by PraxisAuril ·       Knowledge Exchange Heroes – one for team, one for individual ·       Making a Social Difference ·       Making an Environmental Difference  ·       Multiparty Collaboration ·       Place-based Impact ·       Powerful Partnership - Skillfluence The deadline for applications is 5pm, Thursday 12th December, 2024. The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards will take place in March 2025. Click here for our helpful entry toolkit  and application forms .   Ends