Digital technology has been used to transform patient care this past year at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and two projects have been recognised for leading the field in Scotland.

Last week saw two of Holyrood Connect’s Digital Health & Care Awards presented to the West of Scotland Innovation Hub’s team.

Both projects have been supported by the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, hosted by NHSGGC, which brings together NHS clinicians, ehealth and research and innovation staff to facilitate service redesign and transform patient care.

The COVID-19 Response Award was given to the vCreate Video Service Team which has helped to keep patients and their loved ones connected throughout the past year.

The use of Video Diaries, created by hospital staff and shared with families was first piloted by the Royal Hospital for Children’s Neonatal team and now widely used across critical care teams throughout the UK and overseas.

vCreate’s Clinical Video Service has also transformed care by allowing video consultations to be conducted remotely, keeping patients and staff safe in the face of COVID-19.

Dr Neil Patel, Consultant Neonatologist & Joint Clinical Innovation Lead, West of Scotland Innovation Hub, commented:

“We are delighted that the vCreate video services, and the teams that implemented them have been recognised through the COVID-19 Response Award. So many colleagues across Scotland contributed to the success of these projects, which are making a real difference for patients and families despite all the current challenges. It has been terrific to see this innovation adopted so widely and we would certainly encourage others to take up similar approaches to help transform patient care across Scotland.”

The Technology Enabled Independent Living Award was awarded to DYNAMIC, a new service for patients with lung-related disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The digital innovation allows for patients to manage symptoms at home with data being collected for clinicians to analyse.

The project aims to predict flare-ups or episodes of poor health. Patients require fewer trips to hospital and clinicians are provided with more information about the patient’s condition.

Dr Chris Carlin, Consultant Respiratory Physician, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde commented:

“We’ve really pleased our care for COPD patients has been recognised. In the face of COVID-19, our technology-driven project aims to predict ill health so we can be more proactive in our care. All of our patients are offered this in order to improve their care and manage their condition.”

Holyrood Connect’s annual Digital Health & Care conference recognises leaders in Scotland that use digital technology to support the health and social care sector and improve the experience of patients and staff.

The West of Scotland Innovation Hub working together to improve health and social care. We support health and social care innovation across the West of Scotland and address key challenges to improve health, social care and service delivery. Read more: https://www.woshealthinnovation.scot/