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

Full-Time Permanent Band 4 Post Job Opportunity with Health Innovation South East Scotland (HISES)   Health Innovation South East Scotland (HISES) is an Innovation Hub set up by the Scottish Government Chief Scientists’ Office which forms part of a national network created to deliver the Government’s vision to utilise the innovation process to deliver a healthier and wealthier nation for the future.   Formed through a collaboration of three NHS Boards— Borders, Fife, and Lothian, with the latter taking on the role of lead host Board, HISES has a pivotal role in delivering innovative solutions to the health and social challenges, both regionally and nationally.   Hosted by NHS Lothian on behalf of the East of Scotland Region, this exciting full-time opportunity will involve you in providing a key administrative project support role for the South East Innovation Hub to deliver transformational and innovative change in the provision of health and care services, working collaboratively with colleagues across the public sector, academia, the third sector and Scottish based life science industries.   We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced, and enthusiastic administrator to take on this key support role in HISES. You should have HNC/HND in Business/Office Administration or equivalent experience in an office environment, proficient use in software systems particularly across the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher, Teams) and experience in website editing using an online Content Management System.   The post holder will be a part of the core regional team based in NHS Lothian and will support the regional innovation programme.   Reporting to the Senior Innovation Programme Manager, you will provide direct support to that role as well as the wider HISES Team.   The post requires experience and awareness of service delivery in the NHS and with that the ability to work with a broad range of staff, combined with effective interpersonal and communication skills.   More information on the HISES structure and up-to-date team developments can be found on our website NHS Health Innovation South East Scotland | Welcome ( edinburghbioquarter.com )   Application closing date: 16/10/2024 Interviews will be held in November 2024   Apply here: NHS Scotland | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career - Job Information | Apply for 198158 Innovation Project Support Officer (KA) Informal enquiries: Samantha Smith-Garrett, Senior Innovation Programme Manager: samantha.smith9@nhs.scot Details: NHS Lothian - Innovation Project Support Officer, South East Innovation Hub   Located in Edinburgh/Hybrid

Open Day for all ages - Explore the Future of Digital - 26 October 2024   We Are Digital (Moray’s Digital Inclusion working group) is hosting an open day to showcase supports and services in relation to digital connectivity, creativity, health & wellbeing and career paths. If you are a tech enthusiast, aspiring musician or just curious about the digital world, come along and explore the future of digital in Moray. Date: Sat 26th October - 10 am - 2 pm   Location: UHI Moray - conference room #WeAreDigitalMoray   Contact getdigital@moray.gov.uk for any questions!

In October, Moray College, in collaboration with DHI and local health and care partners, will launch a new short online module titled "Digital Essentials for Carers." This course is designed to empower those who provide care in Moray—whether paid, unpaid, or volunteer—with the digital skills needed to enhance their caregiving. The module consists of four short units that focus on the rapidly evolving role of technology in health and care, offering practical insights into how digital tools can improve the quality of care delivery. By completing this course, learners will not only boost their confidence in using digital solutions but also gain a deeper understanding of the impact and benefits of digital health and care. As learners progress through the course, they can earn digital badges for each completed unit and will receive a digital certificate upon finishing the entire course. These micro-credentials serve as a testament to the learner's enhanced skills and knowledge in digital caregiving. To celebrate the launch of this course, DHI and the Moray College team are inviting everyone interesting in enrolling – or finding out more about the course - to attend an informal event on Friday 25th October in Moray College in Elgin. For more information , please contact Jennifer Thomas ( jennifer.thomas@dhi-scotland.com ).

Scotland is committed to improving health outcomes for women in Scotland. Women face health inequalities and in some cases disadvantages because they are women. Author: Scottish Enterprise Women account for 51% of Scotland’s population. Research shows that women in the most affluent areas in Scotland experience 25.1 more years of good health compared to the most deprived areas. Heart disease is a leading cause of maternal death in the UK. The British Heart Foundation, Bias and Biology Report found that there are inequalities in the way women with heart attacks are diagnosed, treated and cared for afterwards compared with men, costing lives. Better health is correlated with economic prosperity so improving women’s health has potential benefits to the economy. There are opportunities for companies in Scotland to address the challenges in women’s health with breakthrough technology and collaborations to make health more equitable and inclusive. The Scottish Government’s Women's Health Plan: A plan for 2021-2024 and its 2023 Progress Report marks the first stage of a long-term commitment to reducing health inequalities for women. The plan sets out a specific focus on priority areas. Menopause, endometriosis, access to information, termination, and contraception services, and reducing inequalities for women’s general health, with specific work on cardiac disease. The ambition is for a holistic, inclusive approach responsive to individual needs and choices. Market Size: It is difficult to source an up-to-date total market size for Women’s Health in Scotland or the UK. This is made challenging due to the broad spectrum of services and treatments it covers. The McKinsey Health Institute estimate the global market could be worth $1 trillion. Closing the women’s health gap: A $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and economies McKinsey. Women in the UK are living longer. Life expectancy at birth for women in the UK in 2022 was 90.4 years for females. However healthy life expectancy, the average number of years a person will live in general good health is 63.6 years for females. Major markets in Women’s Health include: Menopause, and menstrual health including endometriosis. Around 5.1 million women in the UK aged between 45 and 55 years, a large range of women are potentially menopausal (Source: ONS population estimates for mid-2019) In Scotland, around 400,000 women in Scotland are of menopausal age and over a third of the female workforce is over 50 It is estimated that endometriosis affects 1.5 million (1 in 10) women in the UK of reproductive age, and it takes an average of 8.5 years to diagnose Sexual and Reproductive Health Pre-eclampsia affects around 1 in 10 pregnancies and has been linked with a greater risk of heart disease in the future Heart health and chronic ill health Almost 1 in 10 deaths in women in Scotland each year are caused by ischaemic heart disease. It is estimated that there are currently 300,000 people in Scotland living with osteoporosis, a condition which is more common in women than men BHF Bias and Biology Briefing Opportunities The evolving Women’s Health sector has opportunities for: Supply chain and manufacturing Medical tech and digital tech Life sciences and human health companies to diversify with products and services that focus on women’s health needs Solutions which improve diagnostic support for women with cardiovascular disease Women-centred research, development, and innovation. Women have been historically underrepresented in clinical research including cardiovascular trials Products and services that redress inequalities Key Buyers Key buyers for the women’s health sector include: The NHS - Hospitals and clinics Private sector hospitals and clinics  Local authorities and other public sector organisations. Social care providers Commercial specialist health care providers. The third sector – not-for-profit organisations and non-governmental bodies Employers - Companies are increasingly recognising the importance of supporting women’s health in the workplace  Insurance Companies :  Health insurers are increasingly covering ‘Femtech solutions’ as part of their plans recognising the importance of preventive care and personalised health management for women. Government and Public Health Organisations: Governments and public health bodies invest in women’s health technologies to improve public health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Companies Scottish Industry Directories  has a life and chemical sciences directory for Scotland including digital health, medical devices and diagnostics, and precision medicine ABHI  Association for Health Tech community. UK BioIndustry Association  has a searchable company directory. The Research Service can also source lists of companies - Contact us at: research@scotent.co.uk External Funding & Sector Support Scottish Enterprise’s funding database  lists the latest UK and worldwide funding calls Scaling innovation for business growth  offers funding opportunities and support to future industries looking to innovate and scale Find business support in Scotland  is a source of funding, events, training, and programmes   Life Sciences in Scotland  publishes information on funding, news, and events in the sector The BHF Healthcare Innovation Fund    Scotland Innovates  is a portal for suppliers and citizens to submit proposals for innovative goods and services to the Scottish public sector, with Innovators directed to appropriate guidance and support. It also includes details of Small Business Research Initiatives (SBRI) and support available through the Chief Scientist Office Research Support The Research Service provides free market research and company information to businesses in Scotland. Latest reports relating to Women’s Health and Femtech that the Research team at research@scotent.co.uk  can help you access include: Frost and Sullivan Growth Opportunity Outlook in the Women’s Health Industry 2023 Technavio Global Women’s Health Diagnostics Market 2024-2028 Technavio Global Endometriosis Drugs Market 2021-2025 Femtech Economic Opportunity for Scotland 2023 Research study | Scottish Enterprise ( Scottish-enterprise.com ) GlobalData Thematic Intelligence: Femtech 2023 GlobalData Menopausal Disorders: Competitive Landscape 2023 Mintel Women’s Health UK 2023 Mintel Family Planning and Pregnancy UK 2023 This report was created by Scottish Enterprise. For more information, please visit: https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/

NextGen Technology Enabled Care Sensor Solutions for Assisted Living Overview As our population ages and the demand for high-quality care grows, there is a need to explore how services can be delivered differently. With the Openreach announcement that all analogue phone lines will be replaced with digital by January 2027, there is a significant opportunity to transform how telecare services are delivered and to move to a broader Technology Enabled Care (TEC) service. Traditional telecare solutions often focus on reactive measures - responding to emergencies or health crises after they occur. However, with advancements in IoT and sensor technologies, there is now the potential to create more proactive, person-centred solutions that enhance the quality of life for individuals living independently and support the services providing health and care. This challenge seeks to harness innovative technologies that empower individuals to manage their health more effectively, maintain independence, and live safely in their own homes. We are calling on innovators to reimagine telecare—making it more proactive, predictive, personalised, and integrated into the daily lives of those who rely on these services. One aspect of our work is to develop a specification of devices across all TEC domains for integration into a procured digital platform.  Following development and testing, these solutions will be tested in a real work environment and evaluated to demonstrate the benefits to users and services of adopting a highly personalised TEC pathway. Why This Challenge Matters TEC is at the heart of independent assisted living, offering a safety net for individuals who wish to maintain autonomy while receiving the care and support they need. However, the current landscape presents several challenges: Proactivity:  Most existing systems are reactive, only intervening when a crisis occurs. There is a critical need for solutions that can anticipate issues before they arise, offering timely interventions that prevent emergencies and enhance well-being. Personalisation:  Every individual has unique needs. Solutions must move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches, delivering insights, support and care that is tailored to the specific circumstances, preferences, and health conditions of each person. Integration:  For TEC to be truly effective, it needs to be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of daily life, utilising interoperable smart home technologies, AI, and sensors/IoT devices that work together to provide comprehensive insights and support. By addressing these areas, this challenge aims to push the boundaries of what TEC can achieve, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes, improved quality of life, and greater independence for those who need it most, while supporting statutory services to direct their finite resources where and when they are needed most. What We Are Looking For We are interested in groundbreaking ideas, technologies, solutions or approaches that address one or more of the challenges described above. If your organisation has a solution to some or all of the challenge areas please submit a RapidPitch. If you think your solution addresses another aspect of telecare/telehealth/ambient assisted living/smart housing but has not been listed above, then this may also be of interest. We are particularly interested in device solutions that are standalone or generate data that can be integrated into our partner’s digital platform and  address the following areas: Remote Health Monitoring:  Technologies that allow for continuous monitoring of health parameters (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels) Fall Detection and Prevention:  Advanced sensor systems capable of detecting falls, and predicting potential falls (e.g. through gait analysis) Emergency Response Systems:  Solutions that provide immediate assistance in emergencies, such as wearable devices with panic buttons, and voice-activated alarms. Ambient Activity Monitoring:  Devices that can gather ongoing personalised data related to functional activity and or environment monitoring (e.g. kitchen device activity, movement patterns/routines, toilet flushing, property humidity or temperature etc) Activity Prompting:   Devices which can prompt or remind users to carry out a task (e.g. medication, appointments, routines etc) Smart Home Automation for Assisted Living:  IoT devices that adapt home environments to individual needs, such as automated lighting, temperature control, and door locking systems that ensure safety and ease of use for elderly or disabled residents. Ambient Psychological Monitoring:  Facial recognition technologies which monitor mood, anxiety, pain etc In all cases, please describe what standards your solution meets and whether your solution integrates with existing platforms or has the capability to do so. Why Participate? Showcase Your Solution:  Selected innovators will be invited to demo their technologies to a smart housing working group which includes health and care professionals and citizens for considered inclusion in a TEC specification being developed. Collaborate with Experts:  Gain feedback and insights from leading professionals in the field, and explore opportunities for partnerships or pilot projects within our Living Labs. Shape the Future of Independent Living:  Be a part of the movement that is redefining how technology can empower individuals to live independently, safely, and with dignity. Please note that this competition is strictly for market review and assessment purposes. Participation does not include any monetary compensation, and there is no commitment to make any purchases based on the pitches presented. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable feedback, increase visibility, and explore potential collaborations within the market. How to Respond Submit your challenge response through this form . We will accept submissions on a rolling basis until we have selected potential solutions for inclusion in our living lab activities. Demo Days Selected participants will be invited to present their solutions to partners either in person in Moray or online.   FAQs Can I submit supporting documents (for example a video) as part of my application? You will have the opportunity to submit supporting materials such as non-confidential slide decks, research papers, and videos as part of your application. You may submit a video along with your typed responses. Please be mindful of duration, suggested no more than 5 minutes. Please make sure that you do not submit any information that is non-proprietary or owned by a third party. Can I submit confidential information? Only non-confidential information should be submitted and anything you submit will be treated as non-confidential. What happens with IP (Intellectual Property)? As this is a no strings attached arrangement, DHI does not acquire any IP. We are interested in identifying solutions and understanding the current art of the possible. What are the specific criteria? Your solution should be in existence, i.e. on the market, or in testing, and manifestable as a minimum viable product (MVP). What types of ideas are you interested in? Submissions should have a path to commercialisation. While ideas can be early stage, we are not looking for research projects that are not pursuing a viable potential solution.

Emerging technologies - how do we take advantage? Join us on Friday 20 September 2024 to listen to a panel of experts presenting VR and how it is being used and tested in practice. The webinar is organised as a collaboration between the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, the Scottish Government, and the University of Agder in Norway. The webinar occurs at 12-2 pm CET time (11 am-1 pm UK time) . During this event, our panel of experts will present key findings and recommendations for discussion. About: New technologies are reshaping health and care, offering new opportunities for transformation. Virtual reality (VR), in particular, is gaining traction for its practical applications in healthcare, from enhancing patient treatment and rehabilitation to advancing medical training and research. Agenda: Time Duration Item Who 1200 5 min Welcome and introduction Chair - Santiago Gil Martinez, Ass. professor, Centre for e-health, UiA 1205 25 min Virtual Reality Training in Social Care Sofie Wass, Associate professor, Dep. of information systems, UiA 1230 25 min VR-simulation for training of health care personnel at Southern hospital trust Steinar Omnes, Innovation manager, Southern Hospital Trust, Norway 1255 20 min Care Reality - A new reality for learning Stephen Honnan, Unity Developer and Cloud Engineer at Care Reality, UK 1315 20 min Young People Save Lives - Virtual Reality Project Angela Harkness , Scottish Ambulance Service 1335 15 min Q&A and panel discussion All 1350 10min Final comments from the chair Santiago Gil Martinez Webinar Joining Details: Zoom meeting with registration Meeting ID: 699 8511 3235 Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Register below:

Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London has opened applications for the second cohort of the Accelerating FemTech programme! Funded by Innovate UK and the Medical Research Council, this national programme helps early-stage companies, university spinouts and entrepreneurial-minded academics focused on women’s health to gain commercial and funding momentum they need for long-term success. Accelerating FemTech offers bespoke support, targeted workshops, and mentoring to enhance product development, entrepreneurship skills and stakeholder engagement across the NHS and academia. The programme will also support participants in preparing for a special closed-call feasibility funding opportunity through the Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst, delivered alongside a collaborative learning programme and facilitated networking with key NHS and health sector stakeholders. Abigail Lyons , Senior Business Innovation Manager at Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, said: “Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is delighted to partner with the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London in the delivery of this exciting Innovate UK-funded FemTech Accelerator, helping companies to develop customer-focused solutions that address unmet needs in women’s healthcare.” Katherine Church, Women's Health Practice Director at SmartCo Consulting (Accelerating FemTech Advisory Panel Member) said: “Accelerating FemTech brings together industry, clinicians, patients and the NHS and will wrap your fantastic innovation in commercial, strategic and technical expertise, taking it to the next level. You'll also be one of a very small number of companies eligible to apply for a special closed-call feasibility funding opportunity through the Biomedical Catalyst." Applications open on Monday 9 September 2024 and close at midnight on Sunday 13 October 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of women's health. Apply now: https://healthinnovationnetwork.com/projects/accelerating-femtech/ Join the 101 Webinar to engage with members of the programme delivery team directly: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/949640770107?aff=oddtdtcreator Frequently asked questions can be found at: https://healthinnovationnetwork.com/accelerating-femtech-faqs/ The application form can be found at: https://healthinnovationhub.smapply.io/prog/2024_accelerating_femtech_programme/

Introduction The mental health landscape in Scotland is changing, with new resources and service providers seeking to bring a range of interventions into the space that seek to provide more creative options for individuals to support their own mental health and wellbeing that harness the power of new and emerging digital technologies. In addition, there are currently a number of funding routes (e.g. Community Mental Health Supports and Services grant to all 32 local authorities) available to support local authorities to think differently about how they can meet the mental health needs of their populations.   Local authorities are bureaucratic organisations however, and there are a number of issues that new providers need to be aware of when seeking to work within this space.   Context is everything – although Scotland is a small nation, each local authority area has it’s own particular profile in terms of demographics, urban/rural geography etc which impact on the types of services that are required to meet the needs of their own populations. In addition, each local authority will have different approaches to contracts, finances etc which require navigating – e.g. in some local authorities, procurement is handled by a specialist team, in others it is devolved to services. There are pros and cons to each, but identifying which system is operating in a local authority you are approaching helps you understand who you need to speak to for different elements of the on-boarding process. Due diligence – part of the bureaucratic nature of local authorities is the amount of regulation that must be adhered to in relation to procurement law, GDPR compliance etc. These processes are often lengthy, requiring the co-ordination of a number of local authority officers across a number of teams (see point 1 above) and can significantly impact on the amount of time it takes to get a product to launch. Failure to adhere to these processes can however have significant consequences, so it’s important to make sure that time and effort is built in to navigate them effectively. Communications & marketing – Dr Chris Wright, Scottish Government’s Advisor in Digital Mental Health, has stated that ‘you spend 25% of your time getting a product operational, and 75% of your time telling people about it.’ This may seem like an exaggeration, but services (particularly those that are universally accessible) are only as good as eligible users awareness of them, so finding ways to support local authorities with an effective communication and marketing plan is key to driving uptake and engagement. Most local authorities have, at best, a limited amount of support from a PR/Comms team, whose responsibilities generally cover the whole range of local authority functions, so ‘in house’ support is limited. Providing a range of ‘off the shelf’ assets and materials that can be easily shared is key, alongside, if possible, face to face engagement sessions with key members of the target population to increase awareness and boost usage figures. Partnership working – spend time getting to know who your key contacts are within a Local Authority and developing your relationship with them to understand what their particular needs and requirements are. Where possible, personalise your approach/offer to meet these specific needs, including in relation to data, recording and reporting.     Conclusion Scottish Local Authorities offer diverse and unique opportunities to develop new and innovative approaches to supporting mental health and wellbeing across the population. Understanding this diversity, both within the population and within the organisational landscape of each Local Authority, is key to building new, effective and sustainable partnerships for the benefit of Scotland’s population.   Lesley Taylor Principal Educational Psychologist, Clackmannanshire Council

My internship with DHI has been a truly inspiring experience that has significantly influenced my academic and career aspirations.  During my 3-month internship, I had the opportunity to work collaboratively with different teams which allowed me to find out more about the research and projects being carried out by DHI.  This experience not only allowed me to develop my teamwork and communication skills but also inspired me to continue exploring the vast opportunities for innovation and improvement in health and social care. I had the incredible opportunity to delve into the world of Virtual Reality (VR) and explore its potential to revolutionise education and training within the health and social care sectors.  The immersive nature of VR technology has introduced new possibilities for enhancing the learning experience of healthcare professionals, allowing them to engage in realistic simulations and hands-on training in a virtual environment.  I have learned how VR can be utilised to simulate complex medical procedures, create interactive anatomy lessons, and provide realistic patient care scenarios. By researching the art of VR development and troubleshooting, I have gained valuable insights into the power of this technology to improve the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals. Understanding the potential of VR in transforming traditional educational methods and enhancing learning outcomes in health and social care has led me to consider incorporating this technology into my final year Honours project. This experience has also motivated me to explore further research opportunities in the field of digital health and care technology and potentially pursue a postgraduate degree in the coming years. The invaluable insights and skills acquired through my internship have not only shaped my academic interests but have also set me on a path towards a rewarding and impactful career in the intersection of healthcare and technology. Simone Singh. Reflective Blog

NHS Education for Scotland is delivering a series of learning events building on the success of the previous Remote & Rural Series of Learning Events. These events will now run as the  National Centre for Remote & Rural Health & Care Series of Learning Events and will continue to support remote, rural & island communities throughout Scotland. Below you will find a list of sessions available from September 2024 .  Further sessions will be added in due course.  Sessions will run online via MS Teams and will focus on primary and community care and will be relevant to a wide range of audiences including NES staff to support hybrid/remote working and continuous professional development.  Some sessions will also be relevant to community members. If you are interested in attending, please click on the ‘ click here to register ’ link in the table below which will take you to a registration form where you will require to complete your details.  You can find more information on the National Centre for Remote & Rural Health & Care Series of Learning events by visiting the Turas page National Centre for Remote & Rural Health & Care Series of Learning Events | Turas | Learn ( nhs.scot ) .  More sessions are being arranged so please revisit this page regularly for updates. Session Title Date Time Registration Link Supervision for Advanced Practice Tuesday 3 September 2024 1.00pm – 2.00pm Click here to Register   Escape from Information Overload Wednesday 18 September 2024 2.00pm – 4.00pm Click here to Register   When Why and How to use Near Me in Primary Care Wednesday 2 October 2024 2.00pm – 3.00pm Click here to Register The Spider in the Glass (Myra Ross) Wednesday 30 October 2024 2.00pm – 4.00pm Click here to Register Managing Type 2 Diabetes in Group Consultation - Kelso Medical Practice Pilot Project Tuesday 26 November 2024            1.00pm – 2.00pm Click here to Register If you require any further information, please contact nes.ruralteam@nhs.scot

Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) prepares to unveil fresh 10-year strategy following £2 million per year Scottish Funding Council (SFC) award  Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) prepares to unveil fresh 10-year strategy following £2 million per year Scottish Funding Council (SFC) award  Professor George Crooks OBE says Scotland’s integrated health and social care system puts it in a unique position to deliver a shift to person-centric care enabled by data and digital technology DHI is a world-leading collaboration hosted by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) The head of a world-leading organisation dedicated to accelerating innovation in Scotland’s health and social care sector believes the need ‘has never been greater’ for a radical digital technology-driven modernisation of the nation’s approach to care in the face of unprecedented demand on services. Professor George Crooks OBE, a renowned international digital health and care expert, was speaking after Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) was awarded new funding by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) for at least the next 10 years. DHI, a pioneering initiative hosted by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with GSA, marked its 10th anniversary last year. During that time the SFC and Scottish Government-backed organisation – which brings partners in the commercial, academic, health and social care, and third sectors together to drive innovation and transformation in Scottish health and social care – has spearheaded major digital advances including accelerating Scotland’s response the Covid-19 pandemic ; the pioneering £5m Rural Centre of Excellence in Moray ; and the celebrated SCOTCAP outpatient gastroenterology technolog y.  DHI has also helped attract an additional £30 million in direct and indirect investment from public and private sources into innovation in health and care in Scotland. As the organisation prepares to launch its new 10-year strategy, Prof Crooks, Chief Executive Officer at DHI, explained how the focus of health and social care in Scotland must shift towards personal empowerment – where individuals have greater control over their health and care requirements through effective use of their data – made possible by advances in digital technology. The vision involves the ongoing health needs of individual Scots being recorded in a data cloud accessible to themselves and those who need it, providing scope for targeted care on a round-the-clock basis. The data could even be used to predict when care might be needed before a problem manifests in such a way that the health need becomes urgent. Professor Crooks, who began his medical career in 1977, said: “Growing waiting lists, ageing populations, difficulties recruiting staff, and a workforce that is still feeling the impact of pandemic and pressures of the health and care system are the realities in Scotland – but they are also global challenges not unique to this country. Demand is outstripping capacity and there has never been a greater urgency to do things differently. “Scotland’s medical model of care, that has served us very well for the past 150 years, is no longer fit for purpose in the 21st Century. We must move away from our existing approach to one where we listen to, activate, and empower our citizens to make better-informed health and well-being choices supported by resources in their communities. “The only way that can happen is through the appropriate use of digital technologies allied to an understanding of the lived experience of people in Scotland, using our expertise to co-design with them, and tailoring services to meet their personal and local circumstances. That’s the crux of the knowledge, skills and experience DHI has acquired over the past 10 years.” He added : “In more than 40 years working in the NHS in Scotland, my experience is that the majority of investment in technology has always been to benefit the healthcare system or people working within it. The patients were only passive recipients of that, and this needs to change. “It’s only in recent years, and as we look forward, that we have begun to invest in technology focused on the people of Scotland that will enable them to make better health and wellbeing choices. It will enable them to curate their own data and access appropriate services more easily and effectively, and relieve the pressure on frontline services. “Scotland’s integrated health and social care environment is the perfect test bed for innovation, where digital advances can reduce the burden on service provision. After 10 years, DHI can help deliver real change at scale, and that’s why experts in nations around the world including Singapore, the Middle East, North America, and mainland Europe are looking to Scotland as leaders in this area.” The £8m per year commitment from the SFC, which supports DHI and three other innovation centres in Scotland – Built Environment - Smarter Transformation (BE-ST); Industrial Biotechnology IC (IBioIC); and The Data Lab (TDL) – will ensure the organisation will continue to make an impact domestically and internationally, where connections have been built on digital health and care with prestigious global institutions including Harvard, MIT, and the European Commission. Educational institutions domestically have been central to DHI’s impact, with the organisation having worked effectively with 16 of Scotland’s 19 universities – including the creation of seven new digital health courses – and direct engagement with more than 60% of the nation’s colleges. The new funding has enabled DHI to set out seven priorities in its new 10 year plan – to transform health and social care; develop digital and data infrastructures as national assets; enhance Scotland’s connected ecosystem through cross sectoral innovation clusters; develop a future skills pipeline which delivers workforce capabilities fit for Scotland’s future; extend commercial engagement to support economic growth; health and care’s contribution to Net Zero targets; and enhance Scotland’s international reputation in R&I.  Prof Crooks added: “In the beginning, DHI recognised innovation is like a child looking in the window of a sweet shop. With no focus or plan of what you want, why you want it, and what you want to do with it – you get a minute of pleasure and no lasting benefit. It was essential we focus the minds of the health and care system in Scotland – the government and those tasked with delivering it day-to-day. It was about how we can use advances in digital tech and data to transform services from their current state into a better future. “Ten years on we've learned and refined our innovation process – utilising networks and influencing policy – so now we can de-risk innovation to deliver tangible outcomes efficiently and effectively. However, technology is the apprentice to us, we are not slaves. It enables us to deliver expected impacts in a tolerable time frame, and how we use it will be pivotal over the next 10 years.” Duncan Graham, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Science from the University of Strathclyde, said ‘We’re delighted to continue hosting two of the innovation centres announced for funding in DHI and IBioIC. We look forward to supporting the positive impact for Scotland and beyond offered by both, with DHI spearheading the next generation of citizen-centred healthcare that is set to transform the lives of many.” Professor Irene McAra-McWilliam, Deputy Director Research & Innovation at The Glasgow School of Art, said: “Over the past 10 years The Glasgow School of Art has been a foundational part of the DHI initiative through the pioneering work at our creative innovation campus on the Altyre estate in Moray together with our team in Glasgow. We are extremely pleased to be able to continue to be key partners in the next chapter of world class innovations which will be supported by the announcement of this latest round of funding.” Helen Cross, Director of Research and Innovation at the Scottish Funding Council, said: “We are delighted to be continuing to support innovation in what is an increasingly important area for the future health and wellbeing of people in Scotland. I’m proud that SFC has been able to support DHI right from the start. I know that with our long-term commitment to innovation funding the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre will continue to help the people of Scotland live longer, healthier lives and provide sustainable and inclusive economic growth.” DHI Case studies: Case Study 1:  System Impact Response to Covid-19 In March 2020, DHI rapidly redeployed its capacity and capabilities to enable rapid pace and scale to help address Scotland’s response to Covid-19. DHI’s market research and international engagement helped inform Scotland’s approach by adapting the learning from other countries. DHI worked closely with the Scottish Government’s Digital & Digital Health & Care Directorates, NES Digital, NSS, PHS, NHS 24, territorial boards, the Digital Office for Local Government, Scottish Care and key third sector and independent care sector organisations to deliver initiatives in short weeks rather than years. DHI utilised unique, co-design methods, tools and online platforms to ensure that human factors and need principally determined the design of digital solutions. It engaged several academic and industry partners in this national effort, including Scottish SMEs (Storm ID, Sitekit, Daysix, Tactuum and Cohesion Medical) and the Universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier, Glasgow, Strathclyde and West of Scotland. Key senior members of DHI were directly involved in advising the Scottish Government on the digital aspects of the health and care response. Five new Covid-19 projects were initiated, with three of these quickly scaling to become a fundamental part of the Scottish Government’s digital response to Covid-19. These contained standardised and linked data services, improved user experiences and reduced pressure on front line health and care staff. Case Study 2:  Direct Investment - Moray Regional Growth Deal (£5m) DHI led a proposition with Moray Regional Partners (including UHI and Moray College) to develop a Rural Centre of Excellence (RCE) for Digital Health and Care in the Moray Region (2021-25). This focused directly on realising digital opportunities to address rural challenges and benefit local communities. The Moray RCE enabled DHI to leverage £5m directly from the UK Government, attracting additional in-kind resources of approximately £3m from partners. This investment will bring economic, service and skills benefits to the region while contributing towards net-zero targets for Scotland. Successes from the Moray RCE will be extended into other regions that experience similar rural community challenges, to ensure knowledge exchange (KE), positioning Scotland’s rural R&I test beds and expertise on the international stage to encourage further investment.

A pioneering health data initiative by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre receives the Up-and-Coming TEC Innovation Award. One of our innovative DHI Moray Rural Centre of Excellence's living lab projects, a collaboration with, Archangel ®, and   Mydex CIC , has recently been awarded the distinguished Up-and-Coming TEC Innovation Award at this year’s ITEC Awards. This award reflects the project's profound commitment to enhancing healthcare through an innovative holistic, integrated, and person-centred approach. Focused on the comprehensive assessment of social determinants of health, the initiative stands out for its approach to generating and collating holistic data. The analysis conducted is internationally distinctive, providing both individual and population-level insights. Such data is instrumental in enabling improved self-management, early intervention, and the efficient allocation of healthcare resources. Recognition from the TSA – the voice of technology-enabled care – highlights the significant impact and innovation brought by the project. It underlines the potential for transformative change in citizen well-being and service provision within the sector. As the project continues to evolve, it aims to lay the groundwork for future developments under the Moray Growth Deal, aspiring to contribute to a healthier, more informed community. Engagement from the Moray region is encouraged, especially through participation in our Living Labs. For individuals living in the Moray area and interested in contributing to the advancement of healthcare innovation, more information can be found here. Quotes    Marie Simpson , Programme Manager at DHI collected the award and commented: “This is fantastic recognition for a data project that really could be a ‘game changer’ within the health and care sectors. “It delivers a wide range of benefits for citizens and their carers, health and social care organisations and third sector community bodies with end users empowered to remain at the centre of navigating their personalised journey.”

People at risk of harm through drugs are given digital access and support in a progressive new approach to Scotland’s ‘unacceptable’ drug death rates. Bridging the Digital Divide: Digital Lifelines. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre has worked closely with our partners and PR agency, Story Shop, to craft a media package that showcased the vision and impact of the Digital Lifelines Scotland project. This project is a pioneering and progressive digital inclusion programme aimed at reducing ‘unacceptable’ levels of drug-related harm and deaths across the nation. So far, more than 1,700 people have taken part. A total of 908 phones, 103 laptops and 45 other devices have been distributed, along with almost 1,500 connectivity packages. Proving this initiative is more than just a project; it's a lifeline for the most vulnerable among us. Digital Lifelines in the News The journey of Digital Lifelines has captured the attention of media outlets, each shedding light on the project's innovative approach and the tangible benefits it brings to Scotland's at-risk communities. Here's a roundup of the coverage: BBC News : Reports on the initiative's local impact, particularly in Edinburgh, East, and Fife, showcasing how digital tools are making a difference: Read the BBC coverage . BBC Radio: Listen from 1 hour 18 minutes for the story: Listen here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001xl1h  The Herald : Showcases the ambitious £3m effort to tackle Scotland's drug death tally through digital empowerment: Explore the full story . Third Force News : Highlights the provision of digital devices and support to vulnerable Scots, offering them a crucial lifeline: Read more about the impact . DIGIT : Dives into how Digital Lifelines is bridging the digital divide for Scots at risk, providing them with access and support in a ground-breaking approach: Learn more here . Daily Mail: Discusses the impact of the Digital Lifelines project in Scotland: Read the article Silicone Scotland : Focuses on the innovative strategy to give those at risk of harm through drugs digital access and support, marking a progressive step in tackling Scotland's drug death rates: Discover the initiative . For further insights into the project and its objectives, the Digital Lifelines website offers a wealth of information about their mission, the team behind the initiative, and how they're making a difference in Scotland. Visit the Digital Lifelines Scotland website to learn more.

Read the Delivery Plan 2023-24 for Scotland's Digital Health and Care Strategy The national delivery plan was updated and published on Friday 04 August 2023 and describes activities supporting Health Boards, HSCPs, local authorities, primary care, social care, social work, and care providers to offer new or improved services, whether through improved systems and infrastructure, or access to digital services to achieve the aims of our overall Digital Health and Care Strategy ‘Care in the Digital Age’. Published in October 2021. More information is available on The Digital Health & Care Scotland website . Read the updated Delivery Plan

Delve into insights emerging from the DHI and NES Exploratory on XR technologies for mental health education and training, and find out more about the planned next steps.

This Year’s Challenge is Harnessing Digital Technology and E-Gaming to Reimagine Field Hockey, Boost Youth Participation, and Enhance Physical Well-being. The #DigiInventors Challenge is thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership with Scottish Hockey alongside our portfolio of partners including The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), City of Glasgow College, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, the Scottish Tech Army, and dressCode. This collaboration with Scottish Hockey introduces an exciting new question for this year’s challenge: “How can digital technology and/or e-gaming be used to re-invent the game of field hockey to inspire increased physical activity, participation, and well-being of our young people?” Since 2017, the Digi Inventors Challenge has inspired young minds to develop innovative digital health and care solutions. This year's focus aims to leverage the synergy between sports and technology, encouraging students to think creatively about how digital advancements can enhance the sport of field hockey. This initiative supports the challenge's broader mission of promoting health and well-being among youth through digital innovation. Scottish Hockey's involvement brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm for the sport, offering participants a unique opportunity to integrate traditional athleticism with modern technology. The challenge will run from August to December, complete with a 2-day boot camp and grand finale where finalists will present their ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. Participants will not only compete for fantastic prizes but also gain invaluable skills and experiences that could pave the way for future careers in the digital health and social care Sector. QUOTES: Grant Reilly Head of Communications & Marketing, DHI "We’re excited to partner with Scottish Hockey to see how young minds will use technology to re-imagine field hockey. This innovative initiative showcases collaborative working between a Scottish Innovation Centre and a Sports Governing Body to engage the citizens of Scotland. It aligns perfectly with our commitment to promoting physical activity and well-being among young people." Keith Macleod, Engagement Manager, Scottish Hockey “The sporting landscape is constantly evolving, using digital means to enhance and perfect the game both for the athlete and audience. In this new and exciting collaboration with The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, we are excited to see how our young thinkers and disruptors can utilise technology to completely re-invent the game of Field Hockey to increase participation and encourage exercise and wellness among the people of Scotland.” Learn more about Scottish Hockey: https://scottish-hockey.org.uk/

Explore the global challenges of digital transformation in healthcare, the importance of supporting frontline staff, and the effectiveness of different digital working frameworks through international insights. Digital transformation is changing the way care is being delivered globally, and that brings specific challenges to those who are supporting frontline healthcare staff to do their work in the new contexts. With this, frameworks intended to support digital working by healthcare staff have been proliferating around the world. On Wednesday 28th February the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) hosted a webinar featuring an international panel of experts in digital health to launch an international review and analysis of said frameworks intended to support digital working by frontline healthcare staff. The webinar panel was chaired by Professor Lesley Holdsworth (the Clinical Lead for Digital Health & Care at the Scottish Government), and she was joined by Mr Crispin Scotter (HRH Policy Advisor at the World Health Organization), Dr Louise Schaper (Director of Comperio Pty and the former CEO of Australasian Institute of Digital Health), and Dr Ann Wales (Programme Lead, for Knowledge and Decision Support from Healthcare Improvement Scotland). The report and its findings were presented by Dr Sanna Rimpiläinen, the DHI’s Head of Research and Skills and the lead author of the report. The new report generated a lot of attention with almost 100 health workforce leaders from around the globe tuning in to hear the insights and recommendations from this research. The report could be characterised as a reader’s digest to frameworks used to support digital upskilling of frontline healthcare staff, pointing to different approaches taken to achieve this in different countries. The main recommendations of the report boil down to a request to not reinvent the wheel but to select one of the existing well-developed and robust frameworks for use by organisations. The report recommends organisations to consider which upskilling approach works best for their purposes; assess the digital maturity of their healthcare context and where it is headed to, and what the digital upskilling needs of their workforce are. This brought about a discussion by the panel, who were all in agreement supporting the report’s findings and contributing with experiences from their respective roles and positions. The discussion reinforced the relevance of the newly published work which appeared to be welcomed by the attendees. We wish to thank each and every one of the panel members and attendees for taking time and interest in our work and joining us. We are excited for you to read the report and share it onwards, hopefully, inspiring debate about future pieces of work and training opportunities for the workforce across health and care.