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 - Making Small Digital Changes Work
| Reflection |
Digital improvement doesn't always require new technology. Often, small changes to everyday processes can make information easier to collect, use and learn from. Success depends not just on the tool itself, but on how people are supported to use it. |
| Explore |
Read about how a paediatric intensive care unit replaced paper feedback forms with a QR code linked to Microsoft Forms. When uptake remained low, the team introduced "Feedback Friday", encouraging families to participate and improving engagement. Link: Cohort 26 - Introduction of a QR code for collecting patient feedback - Nicola Kirby | Turas | Learn |
| Reflect |
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| Explore further |
| Click here to explore other digital and data leadership projects from attendees of the Digital Leadership Programme. |
Step 4 - Using Data to Understand and Improve Services (New)
| Reflection |
| Data helps health and social care services understand demand, identify emerging pressures and make better-informed decisions. By recognising patterns and trends, organisations can target improvement efforts more effectively and make the best use of available resources. |
| Read |
Explore People Requiring a Social Care Assessment and Care at Home Services, a recent publication from Public Health Scotland. The resource uses data to show how many people are waiting for social care assessments and care at home support across Scotland, helping services understand demand and identify areas where additional support may be needed. |
| Task |
Consider:
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| Takeaway |
What's the one action you would take based on this publication and insight? |
Step 5 - Making Digital Inclusion Part of Everyday Care
| Reflection |
As services become increasingly digital, not everyone has the same access, capabilities or support to engage. How inclusive is the digital support provided by your team or service, and who might be unintentionally left behind? |
| Explore |
Explore pages 4 - 7 of SCVO’s What practitioners need: Lessons on digital inclusion from the frontline of health and social care. These sections highlight the importance of workforce digital capability, peer support, reflective practice and person-centred digital support. Link: What practitioners need |
| Task |
Consider:
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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.
