Case studies

In this case study, written by Saiba Ahuja, we explore the rollout of video consulting in speech and language therapy services in Wales.

In this case study, written by Saiba Ahuja, we explore the rollout of video consulting in physiotherapy services in Wales.

As one of five successful Digital Solutions Fund (DSF) bids, and to provide support to NHS staff across Wales, DNA Definitive rapidly piloted a digital learning solution for trauma response management. This has demonstrated how an established programme can be quickly adapted to a digital solution, making it more accessible for those who need it. It also has long-term applications for a blended solution far beyond COVID-19.

The Digital Solutions Fund (DSF) is a Welsh Government-funded programme coordinated by the Digital Health Ecosystem Wales (DHEW) to support the COVID-19 response. Connect Health was the first project to run. PhysioNow, the digital musculoskeletal triage and self-assessment tool, piloted in two Health Boards (Hywel Dda and Cwm Taf Morgannwg) in autumn 2020.

In a bid coordinated by DHEW, Public Health Wales, in partnership with the NHS Wales Informatics Service, Swansea University and Social Care Wales were selected as one of five of The Health Foundation Networked Data Labs to be established in the UK in 2020. This case study looks at the journey taken by the partners to secure the £400k funding. 

DHEW worked with the Royal Glamorgan Hospital to run a pilot testing RFID tracking. Passive tags were been placed on bladder scanners, wheelchairs and rental beds throughout the hospital, along with software to provide staff with real time information on where equipment is.

Interoperability standards are a key component to opening up NHS Wales architecture. Making the way we interact with our systems consistent and standardised can improve information standards and the quality of information in systems used across the NHS in Wales.

This project saw NHS Wales Informatics Service (NWIS), Value Based Health Care (VBHC), Patients Know Best (PKB) and Dr Doctor (DrDr) collaborate to improve the process around the collection and storage of PROMs data.

The Advanced Analytics Group for Wales (AAG) was set up in 2019, aiming to accelerate and highlight the development of advanced analytics capability across health and care in Wales. 

One of the many challenges thrown up by the Covid-19 outbreak was the need for GPs across Wales to have a safe method for communicating with patients at home, safeguarding frontline staff and reducing any risk of further transmission.