Our work in action

Explore how we work with others to solve real-world challenges in health and care. We identify issues, engage the right people, and deliver targeted support through communication, facilitation, and insight generation. Our work drives impact by transforming the use of data, generating insights in digital health innovation, and involving patients in shaping digital health solutions.

Improving data quality

The Scottish Cancer Registry and Intelligence Service (SCRIS) sought communications support to address poor data quality within parts of the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) dataset. We worked closely with SCRIS to scope the problem and design an effective solution, facilitating a series of meetings to build consensus and supporting the delivery of a user-focused webinar.

Context

There were ongoing challenges with data quality, limited team resources, and insufficient engagement with end users, which impacted the accuracy and utility of the SACT data.

What we did

We helped define the core issues and provided communications and secretariat support. Through stakeholder engagement, we facilitated a collaborative approach to clarify definitions and improve overall understanding.

Results and impact

This work led to a shared understanding of key data definitions, clarified stakeholder roles, and highlighted the importance of high-quality data. Engagement with both data and clinical communities improved, and content developed through this process will support future webinars and communications.


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Strategic input

We provided early strategic input for the Scottish Government's commission for the Scottish Cardiac Audit Programme (SCAP), stepping in with additional staff support during key recruitment phases. Our involvement later extended across the wider Scottish National Audit Programme (SNAP).

Context

Challenges included translating policy into practical delivery, limited team capacity during recruitment, and the need for stronger user engagement.

What we did

We offered strategic leadership during SCAP’s early development, provided interim staffing to ensure timely publication outputs, and expanded our support to cover SNAP. This included improving data insight capabilities and stakeholder engagement.

Results and impact

Our support contributed to a clear strategic direction for both SCAP and SNAP, improved role clarity, and a stronger appreciation of data's value. Engagement with clinical communities and users deepened, with patient and lived experience perspectives integrated into the process.


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Widening access to data

Research Data Scotland (RDS) sought broader engagement for a consultation on commercial access to data to support innovation, while the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) began scoping a project focused on Femtech and data-driven innovation. We supported both through a user-centered, service design approach.

Context

Key challenges included defining project scope, reaching new audiences, limited team capacity, and the need to improve engagement with users and stakeholders.

What we did

We facilitated early-stage planning and scoping, supported the design and delivery of workshops, and provided leadership, operational, and admin support. Our approach emphasized user design analysis and effective stakeholder engagement.

Results and impact

This work led to improved engagement with commercial, policy, and clinical communities, integration of patient and lived experience, and the generation of valuable insights and content to inform future planning and reporting.


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