Transformation of Welsh Mental Health Services, through digital and data
Heidi Morris, Head of Community and Mental Health Information Services, Digital Health and Care Wales
Introduction
A Cardiff University study revealed a sharp increase in severe mental health issues in Wales, doubling from 11.7% pre-pandemic to 28.1% post-pandemic. With higher death rates in Wales compared to England and concerns raised in Regulation 28 reports about data sharing failures, the need for urgent action is clear. These issues, compounded by increased waiting times and resource constraints, challenge the ability to provide consistent, safe care.
To address this, a 12-week discovery initiative was launched to identify challenges and opportunities across NHS Wales Mental Health Services, aligning with the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2014.
Methods
Using an agile, mixed-method approach with an external Subject Matter Expert, deep dives across Welsh Mental Health Services identified challenges, aspirations, and investment needs for transformative change. The approach involved consolidating previous insights, validating and prioritising opportunities with stakeholders, and identifying quick wins and long-term goals through workshops and interactive tools.
Engagement included health boards, Head of Mental Health Services, Directors of Digital, NHS Executive and Welsh Government Mental Health Leads, Mental Health Practitioners, primary and social Care and third sector organisations, using digital tools like Miro for real-time and ongoing collaboration. This process aimed to build consensus on improving mental health services while addressing challenges in current delivery models, funding, and resource capacity.
Outcomes
Service Users:
- Improved service design tailored to individual needs.
- Data-driven decisions to enhance safety.
- Focus on early intervention and prevention to avoid crisis-driven care.
- Reduced mental health stigma.
Staff and Organisations:
- Unified vision for Mental Health Services across Wales.
- Increased awareness and collective action on service challenges.
- Empowerment to drive evidence-based change.
- Focus on staff wellbeing and involvement in digital tool design.
Wider System:
- Shifted focus from crisis management to building thriving mental health services.
Learnings
- Digital tools and data utilisation need significant improvement.
- Importance of fostering staff understanding and ownership of data for informed decision-making.
- The need for a flexible, reactive approach to quickly implement scalable changes.
- Identified broader improvement opportunities.
- More time for engagement would have been ideal.
What next?
- Insights will inform the Strategic Programme for Mental Health.
- Findings shared with Community Nursing, Allied Health Professional groups, highlighting common issues.
- Focus on optimising patient-facing apps and guiding future technology procurement.
