First cohort celebrate success after graduating from the Digital Transformation for Health and Care Professions (MSc)
29 July 2024
DHCW and NHS Wales colleagues have been celebrating after graduating from the first digital health transformation course of its kind in Wales.
The first cohort of students to embark on the MSc in Digital Transformation for the Health and Care Professions attended a graduation ceremony at the University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) to celebrate their achievement.
James Goddard, Hospital E-Prescribing Lead at DHCW was among those graduating from the first cohort.
He said: “I am proud to have passed this MSc, it was no mean feat. I am really grateful for all those that I have met and networked with and for those who have supported me along the way.
“I found being able to use what you are learning and putting it into practice at the very same time to be invaluable.”
Geraint Walker, a critical care Clinical Informaticist at DHCW said: “The course has helped me to enhance my current skills as well as teaching me new skills which can support me when assessing clinical needs and workflows.
“Also, as part of the role as a clinical informaticist, we have to advocate for and support the education of new systems and technology. As part of the course, it has helped me develop my knowledge and has helped me feel more informed and empowered when supporting digital transformation.”
Gareth Cooke, DHCW’s National Programme Lead for the Radiology Informatics System Procurement (RISP) said the course gave him new insights that he could apply in his role.
He explained: “The course was challenging and rewarding, as I learnt about topics such as service transformation through people, data analytics, decision making and enhancing health and wellbeing using digital skills.
“The course gave me new insights into digital theories and concepts that I was able to apply in my role.
“The course was delivered virtually and given that I was studying part-time, it enabled me to balance my time between work and studying.
“The lecturers were helpful and supportive and regularly provided constructive feedback for assignments. An example of this was the data analytics module, which I found challenging as I had not previously used SPSS software as a tool to analyse data. The course leader supported, encouraged and helped me learn and understand how to do this.
“I would recommend this course to anyone working with digital systems or who would like to learn about digital transformation in health and social care.”
Tracy Jones, a nurse at Swansea Bay University Health Board, said: “I am so grateful for the support from Swansea Bay University Health Board who allowed me to undertake the MSc, and the fantastic current and former team at DHCW – especially Fran Beadle and Wendy Dearing – whose drive to improve informatics enabled this course to be delivered.
“As we were the first cohort there were a few bumps along the way, but I have learnt so much. Whilst it’s a digital masters, the skills I’ll take from it will enhance all areas of my work life. I am really proud to now be a Master of Science with distinction!”
Anna Harries, Head of Nursing, Professional Standards and Digital at Velindre said: “The last three years' commitment to the MSc has been immense for me. It's been difficult at times to fit everything into the week but as a group it is important to work together to maintain morale and focus.
“I learnt a tremendous amount and I am proud of myself and colleagues.”
Helen Williams, Informatics Clinical Nurse Specialist at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: “Completing my MSc in Digital Transformation for Health and Care Professionals has been a transformative journey, equipping me with knowledge and practical skills to improve healthcare delivery.
“This experience has not only broadened my expertise but empowered me to utilise digital technologies to enhance patient care and drive change in my role as an Informatics Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
“I extend my sincere appreciation to my peer support group, who stood by me from start to finish, encouraging me to persevere through the challenges. I am also deeply grateful to my university supervisor for their guidance, mentorship, and constructive feedback, which were pivotal in shaping my dissertation.
“I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues and the study participants at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. Your cooperation and insights were invaluable to the success of my evaluation of the Welsh Nursing Care Record (WNCR).
“Lastly, I am profoundly thankful to my lead Christian Smith, for his leadership and support, as well as for the opportunity to be part of digital transformation across Wales and within our health board. His encouragement and practical advice have been essential throughout this process.”
Sian Perry, Paediatric Clinical Informatics Nurse at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “I really enjoyed studying at MSc level and this particular degree gave me a greater insight into the wealth of information, knowledge and skills required for any digital change or improvement in health and care settings.
“I have been able to use the knowledge and skills obtained to critically review the benefits and challenges of both current and future clinical digital systems in my workplace.
“It has also given me the confidence and knowledge to advocate for the children, young people, their families, and the paediatric staff who will be using these systems.
“Digital transformation should have many benefits and I hope to use this degree to ensure that this occurs.”
The programme is the first course in the UK to be accredited against international criteria in medical informatics education.
The programme has been developed as part of the Wales Institute for Digital Information (WIDI) and UWTSD has been working closely with Digital Health and Care Wales to support students.