SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
“We ' re looking at how we can personalise medicine so that it results in a better outcome for patients . I think digital will absolutely be at the forefront of that ”
JONATHAN CAMERON HEAD OF DIGITAL HEALTH AND CARE , SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
" The Once for Scotland approach is about trying to reduce duplication and make sure that we work and collaborate together ” Cameron says .. “ That ' s underpinned by the sharing of standards or the agreement to use open standards where possible . The approach is about more than saving money , it is about ensuring better outcomes for people " Cameron says .
“ Many of the challenges in implementing a digital approach are around people / organisations using different systems , different standards and different software . We are working hard to ensure better interoperability and consistent standards across the sector and across systems .”
“ The clinical element to that is really important as well , as our clinicians are a critical part of our team and help us drive forward our digital journey . It ' s very much a partnership in collaboration , whether it ' s with citizens , the clinicians , or those on the frontline that need to use these tools ."
Currently one of the directorates long term partners is software vendor InterSystems , who has been providing services for around 15 years .
" InterSystems are the provider across the vast majority of our hospitals , so it fits our Once for Scotland approach . They underpin much of what that we ' re doing , not just around acute care , but supporting data too , providing access so that data can be shared across Scotland . They are critical to our delivery of patient care and are a longstanding strategic partner for Scotland ."
Linking health and social care A key part of the strategy is the link-up of health and social care . “ We ' re very keen to ensure we continue to bring health and care together so that it ' s centred around the citizen , so what drives our strategy is really just doing the right thing , and the desire to link up different sources of information and different areas ," Cameron adds .
This ties in with the commitment strategy to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for citizens . " We ' ve been focusing on digital citizens , and during COVID around how we engage with people , with a particular focus on bridging the digital divide and reducing the inequalities that exist . How do we encourage more people to become digitally confident , and how do we support them on their journey towards that ? What drives that is choice , so we do recognise that not absolutely everybody will be able to or want to use digital ," Cameron says .
There is work in progress to ensure people who want to access health and care services digitally are able to , while Cameron and his team are also working with partners through the Connecting Scotland programme to build skills and access to digital services .
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