Digital and Agile: the foundations

Next, we’ll look at some of the benefits seen when adopting a digital approach. First we’ll look at the benefits generally. Then we’ll look at a case study of a project that has adopted this way of working. 

Adopting a digital approach can lead to significant cost savings. This can be achieved by: 

• automating processes 
• reducing errors 
• improving resource allocation 

This means teams can achieve more with less. It may need investment up front. But that is offset over time by lower operational costs and improved efficiency.​ 

Digital solutions enable better data collection and analysis. This can translate into improved outcomes. By having real-time access data, people can make informed decisions. 

With using a digital approach, we can reduce risk. When we put users at the centre, we focus on creating the things that meet their needs.​ 

One of the key strengths of a digital approach is flexibility. An example is updating and developing platforms to meet changing user needs. When unforeseen challenges arise, a digital approach allows us to pivot and adapt.​ 

Adopting effective digital tools can boost satisfaction levels. Users appreciate the convenience of digital services. Staff also benefit, with higher job satisfaction. This can be through more efficient workflows and reducing blockers.​ 

Finally, a digital approach helps organisations attract and keep top talent. People expect to work with tools that support their efficiency and effectiveness. Adopting good digital approaches, make our organisation a more attractive place to work. 

So the shift to a digital approach is not about keeping up with technology trends. It's about creating more efficient, effective, and user-centred products and services. 

Here is an example of a piece of work that’s currently underway, that's adopting this approach. Digital Health and Care Wales are leading this, with the support of CDPS. They are exploring how digital can enable them to meet the needs of users of maternity services. 

To achieve this, they started by researching the needs of users. This links back to that initial idea about what digital means. They are putting users at the centre, building a service around them and their needs. They're not starting with a solution. Instead, they're exploring the problem. Then seeking to adopt an iterative approach to develop something that solves it. 

For context, maternity service in Wales are reliant on paper-based clinical records. 

But this is not a case of throwing technology at a problem, hoping it will fix it. It's looking at the opportunity's technology provides. They're finding and solving the real problems experienced by users. 

This programme of work is currently in its early stages. But based on what they’ve learned so far, here are some of the specific benefits they are seeking to realise: 

• Digital will enable them to improve how they gather and report data. This is because it would be in a digital, accessible format, rather than stored in a paper record. 
• Next, they're seeking to improve the accuracy of data. Duplicating data not only takes more time, but also increases the risk for errors. 
• Women and birthing people may not always have their physical record to hand. For example, someone may not have it when going to work or visiting a friend. But a digital solution could mitigate this by being accessible anywhere at any time. 

In the course materials, is a link to a blog post written by DHCW, where you can find out more about this piece of work.