NHS boards have a statutory duty to involve patients and the public in the planning and development of health services, and in decisions which will significantly affect how those services operate. The Planning with People guidance sets out how boards should inform, engage, and consult their local communities about proposed service changes.

We have produced this guide which suggests ways in which social media and online technologies may complement traditional methods of informing, engaging and consulting people. It includes examples of how technology has been used for two-way dialogue with patients, carers and communities, and discusses general considerations when using social media.

Organisations have worked together to develop digital-first approaches to engagement and detailed guidance is being drafted, drawing on the pandemic experience.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland has completed an Equality Impact Assessment of a digital-first approach to community engagement which will be of value in planning and designing such activity.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland produced Engaging Differently for digital engagement during the pandemic.