Explore
The Explore pathway is for everyone working in health and social care, irrespective of role. This pathway introduces the fundamental concepts that underpin successful digital service delivery and transformative ways of working.
The Explore Pathway
Step 1 - Introducing Digital Capabilities
| Watch |
To start exploring what digital capabilities are, watch this short video (2m 8s): |
| Question |
Why do you think digital capabilities are important in health and social care? If you’re not sure, watch the video again and notice the digital benefits mentioned. |
Step 2 - Understanding your Digital and Data Capability
| Reflection |
Digital and data are embedded in everyday work across health and social care from how information is recorded and shared, to how care is delivered and improved. Taking time to understand your capabilities can support how you work day‑to‑day, inform your development, and help you progress within your role and career as digital and data ways of working continue to evolve. Are you clear on what digital and data capability areas you may need to develop? |
| Task |
Complete the Digital and Data Capability Self-Assessment Tool created by the Digitally Enabled Workforce team. This tool helps you understand your level of digital capability across key digital and data skills, identify areas for development, and access relevant learning. It is based on the Digital and Data Capability Framework, which outlines the skills needed across the health and social care workforce in Scotland. |
| What Next? |
Once you have completed the Self-Assessment Tool and received your recommended resources, consider the following:
Share your results with your team. Use the self‑assessment as a prompt to:
Digital and data capability grows fastest when insight becomes action and action becomes shared learning. |
Step 3 - National Approach
It is important that everyone across Scotland has a shared vision for digital in health and social care. This shared vision forms what we call the national approach.
| Read |
The Scottish Government and COSLA have developed a digital strategy to set out the national approach. Use the link below to open the strategy and read pages 5 - 9 (5-6 minute read) which cover the background, vision, aims and priorities: Now you have read this, select one of the six priorities on page 9. We suggest choosing the one that feels most relevant to your role, team and organisation. Scroll to the pages listed below to read more about the priority you have chosen (3-7 minute read):
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| Questions |
Reflecting on what you have read about the priority you chose, consider the following questions:
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Step 4 - Using Patient Data Responsibly
| Reflect |
Digital records and patient data provide valuable information that supports safe, effective and person-centred care. With this access comes a responsibility to use information appropriately, ensuring patient confidentiality is protected and data is only accessed when there is a legitimate work-related reason. Consider how confidentiality, information governance and professional accountability protect privacy and maintain public trust. |
| Read |
Read the National Health Executive article “NHS chief issues stark warning over unauthorised access to patient records.” The article explores the importance of confidentiality, professional responsibility and information governance, highlighting the consequences of accessing patient information without a legitimate reason. It also reinforces the role of leaders and organisations in creating a culture of accountability, strengthening monitoring and assurance processes, and maintaining public trust in the use of digital health information. Link: NHS Chief issues stark warning over unauthorised access to patient records | UK Healthcare News |
| Tasks |
After reading the above article, please consider: |
Step 5 - Rethinking How Care Can Be Delivered
| Reflection |
Digital tools can give people more choice in how and when they access health and care support. Simple approaches can help services reach people in ways that feel more convenient, private or comfortable. Understanding how technology can complement existing services helps us recognise where digital approaches can improve people’s experience of care. |
| Explore |
Explore the National Health Executive article “Nearly 2,000 people supported as mental health text service marks first anniversary.” The article looks at Space, a 24/7 mental health text service introduced across Birmingham and Solihull. The service gives people an additional, confidential way to access early support by text and works alongside existing services such as NHS 111, Crisis Cafés and NHS Talking Therapies. |
| Task |
Use the example to think about:
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What next?
You have now completed the Explore pathway.
Pathway Update Notifications
You can register to receive our monthly Digital Workforce Update. This will keep you informed when pathway content is updated or new resources are added. You’ll also receive details of events, news, opportunities and updates from our wider national resources and learning networks.
Feedback
Use this Feedback Form to share any comments or questions you have about the pathway. You can also use this form if you spot that any of the links aren’t working, or the resources aren’t available.
