A new study in Scotland is set to explore the health inequalities associated with the NHS’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.
The project, which is being led by the University of Dundee, Heriot-Watt University and NHS Tayside, will investigate the feasibility and challenges of treatments that move away from hospitals and into the community due to advancements in technology.
The £2.5m Accelerating Impact of Community healthCarE in Tayside scheme has also been developed in conjunction with the University of Glasgow, the University of St Andrews, Edinburgh Napier University, and Dundee City Council.
Study leaders will work with patients to co-create solutions that would be beneficial if delivered within the community – whether that be at a GP surgery or even at home.
A ‘citizen assembly’ will also be established to help inform researchers’ work and enable a better understanding of individual patient needs.
The initiative will take place in Tayside due to its mix of urban and rural communities, economically diverse population, and the existing relationship between NHS Tayside and the University of Dundee.
Professor of Biomedical Photonics at Dundee University, Michael MacDonald, said: “Technology allows us to reconsider how, and where, services are delivered. The Tayside region provides a perfect microcosm of the issues that have faced healthcare providers and our work with Heriot-Watt University and partners will look to address these.”
He continued: “Ultimately, we hope to identify ways in which we can improve the patient journey and reduce the requirement for clinical staff to deliver some treatments, freeing up their time to focus on other pressing patient needs.”
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