Embed
Embed introduces new ideas and builds on the themes covered in the Explore pathway by encouraging consideration of how the concepts raised can be embedded across day-to-day tasks, teams and services. This pathway is for everyone, but especially for anyone who is responsible for managing or supporting others (e.g. supervisors, team leaders, first level managers), or anyone aspiring to develop their knowledge beyond the Explore pathway.
If you aren't sure you understand any of the content, jump back to the Explore pathway and use the resources there to develop your knowledge before carrying on.
The Embed Pathway
Step 1 - Definitions of Digital
| Read |
"Digital" can mean a lot of different things. Catalyst have produced a guide (linked below) which gives clear definitions of 9 key digital concepts that you may come across, using the example of a café to help explain the terms. The guide has been developed for the voluntary sector but applies equally to any type of organisation. Follow the link and read through the guide: |
| Question |
Having read through the guide, think about how you would answer the You might be asking… questions for each definition:
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| Task |
Think about how you would explain the digital ideas described in the guide to your team members or colleagues. Use the You might be asking… questions to have wider discussions within your own organisation. |
Step 2 - National Action
| Read |
Having looked at Scotland's Digital Health and Care Strategy in the Explore pathway, take some time to read through the associated 2025-26 delivery plan which outlines progress to date and sets out the key priorities for a refocused approach in 2026-27. Learn about the programmes and initiatives that have been delivered already and find out what is still to come: Link: Supporting documents - Care in the Digital Age: delivery plan 2025 to 2026 - gov.scot |
| Question |
| How does your organisation support the plans and priorities set out in this update? Are there any national programmes of work that relate to the services offered by your organisation? How could you find out more about these? |
Step 3 - Working Together Digitally
| Reflection |
Digital tools can help health and social care teams communicate, collaborate and share information more effectively. Consider how digital ways of working support your role, team or organisation, and where there may be opportunities for improvement. |
| Read |
Read "Working Together Digitally” from SSSC, which shows how digital tools support communication, collaboration and information sharing, helping teams stay connected, reduce duplication and improve coordination and outcomes. |
| Questions |
Identify:
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Step 4 - Using Data to Improve Services (New)
| Reflection |
Digital tools and data can help services understand demand, improve workflows and make more informed decisions. How could better use of data help improve experiences for people accessing your service? |
| Read |
Read the HealthandCare.scot article describing how digital triage was introduced within emergency care services in Glasgow. The article explores how digital approaches can support decision-making, improve patient flow and help services respond more effectively to demand. |
| Task |
After reading the article, consider:
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Step 5 - Supporting Integrated Care Through Information Sharing
| Reflection |
Delivering more joined-up, preventative and person-centred care across health and social care relies on the right information being available to the right people at the right time. Consider how better access to information and improved data sharing could support collaboration, continuity of care, prevention, and decision-making within your role, team or organisation. |
| Read |
Read “Access to information key to neighbourhood health” which highlights how improved data sharing and interoperable systems can enable more integrated, person‑centred care, better decision‑making and stronger continuity across health and social care. Link: Access to information key to neighbourhood health: PPL report - Digital Care Hub |
| Task |
Reflect on the article and consider how better access to information and shared digital systems could support more integrated care within your area of health and social care. Identify:
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What next?
You have now completed the Embed 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.
