Solutions Architects at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Solution Architecture Governance
At University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHPT), the Solutions Architects team is committed to delivering innovation to the highest standards of governance, regulation, and clinical safety.
Every solution we recommend and/or pilot undergoes a rigorous evaluation process, including a Solutions Appraisal and/or a Business Case assessment. These processes ensure full alignment with the NHS procurement framework, including compliance with cybersecurity standards, DCB160, DCB0129, and the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC).
This robust framework guarantees that any solution we architect is not only safe for deployment in a clinical setting but also scalable across the NHS and adaptable for broader healthcare systems.
All pilot projects are designed and executed to academic research standards, with structured input from academic professionals. This ensures that both the methodology and data collected are of a publishable quality, contributing to the evidence base for digital transformation in healthcare.
The diagram below outlines our end-to-end project approach, which is informed by the TOGAF enterprise architecture framework, ensuring a structured, strategic, and outcomes-focused delivery model.
Solution Development Framework
1 / Problem Identified
A clear challenge or opportunity is recognised within the clinical or operational environment, prompting the need for a digital or technological intervention.
2 / Clinical Input Gathered
Engagement with clinical stakeholders ensures that the problem is accurately defined and that any proposed solutions are grounded in frontline needs and patient care priorities.
3 / Current State Evidence Collated
Data and insights are gathered from existing systems and processes to provide a baseline understanding of the issue and its impact.
4 / Secondary Research Reviewed
Relevant academic literature, industry reports, and case studies are reviewed to support the problem analysis and potential solution pathways.
5/ Market Assessment Undertaken
An evaluation of existing market solutions is conducted to identify viable technologies or approaches, ensuring alignment with NHS standards and requirements.
6 / Solution Identified
A suitable solution is selected based on clinical relevance, technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and strategic fit.
7 / Governance Process Initiated
The solution undergoes a robust governance and assurance process, including assessment against NHS frameworks such as DTAC, DCB0129, DCB0160, and cybersecurity protocols.
8/ Recommendation and/or Pilot Delivered
Following approval, the solution is either formally recommended for adoption or launched as a pilot project. Where appropriate, academic input supports the structure and evaluation of the pilot to ensure research-grade outcomes.
Pilot Framework
1 / Pilot Plan Generated
A detailed pilot plan is developed, including: defined locations for deployment, technology quantities and specifications and delivery timelines and milestones. This ensures clarity and alignment across clinical, operational, and technical teams.
2 / Baseline Data Collection Methodology Created
A clear and replicable methodology is designed to capture pre-deployment data. This includes: metrics to be measured, data sources and systems, and collection methods and responsibilities.
3 / Baseline Data Collected
Baseline data is gathered to establish a snapshot of the current state. This provides a point of comparison for post-deployment impact measurement.
4 / Solution Deployed
The selected solution is implemented according to the pilot plan, ensuring minimal disruption to clinical services and full compliance with governance protocols.
5 / Post-Implementation Data Collected
After deployment, the same methodology is used to collect post-implementation data, ensuring comparability with the baseline and consistency in measurement.
6 / Data Analysed for Trends and Patterns
Collected data is reviewed and analysed to identify measurable impacts, trends, and areas for further improvement. This analysis may include: quantitative outcome metrics, qualitative user feedback and operational performance indicators
7 / Service Evaluation Written
A formal service evaluation is produced to document the findings, including: methodology and results, outcome analysis, and lessons learned and recommendations. This evaluation supports academic publication and informs further rollout and scaling decisions.