NHS Wales (Hywel Dda University Health Board): Pain Management eLearning Programme

Overview

Research, design and delivery of a bilingual (Welsh and English) digital Pain Management Programme (PMP) for Hywel Dda University Health Board. The programme represents a major step forward in digital transformation for the Health Board and has since evolved into a research-led model being adopted across other therapy areas and NHS health boards.

The Challenge

Hywel Dda needed a new way to support people living with persistent pain, many of whom face challenges with mobility, concentration, travel and long waiting times for services. Traditional, in-person programmes alone were no longer meeting patient needs, particularly across rural areas of Wales where access can be limited.

The solution needed to be inclusive, dual-language (Welsh-first), clinically robust and flexible — supporting digital delivery, face-to-face sessions, or a combination of both — while reducing pressure on clinical services.

Conclusion & Results

630K

No. of new clients

24.4%

Sales growth

7000

Views on YouTube

3.4pp

Market share increase

The Approach

We began by mapping the existing pain management patient pathway to identify where a digital intervention could deliver the greatest benefit. This insight shaped the design of a patient-centred programme focused on usability, accessibility and realistic engagement for people living with persistent pain.

The programme was built as a 10-module digital course, delivered in short, manageable sections to support concentration and reduce cognitive load. We developed a custom, cost-effective Learning Management System using Moodle, avoiding the need for expensive subscription platforms and giving Hywel Dda full ownership and control.

Content was designed to be engaging and accessible, combining video exercises, interactive elements, audio relaxation tracks, and clear visual and audio guidance. Recognising the realities of rural Wales, all materials can be downloaded for offline use.

Language was central to the design. The programme was developed Welsh-first, with equal parity for English, and structured so it can be expanded easily into other languages in the future. Alongside the digital modules, we created downloadable resources to support continued learning beyond the platform.

Key deliverables included:

End-to-end research, prototyping and user testing
Mapping of the existing pain management patient pathway
Bilingual (Welsh and English) digital PMP consisting of 10 modules
Custom Moodle-based Learning Management System
Interactive eLearning built using Articulate 360
Video exercises, audio relaxation tracks and guided activities
Downloadable offline content and supplementary resources
Ongoing collaboration with pain management clinicians

The Impact

The PMP represents a significant shift in how pain management support is delivered within Hywel Dda, marking a new approach to digital, patient-centred care. The programme is currently being delivered alongside clinical services and is undergoing structured patient testing as part of a wider research initiative.

Its success has led to the format being adopted across other therapy areas within the Health Board, with the original course structure also influencing similar programmes in other NHS health boards. Once fully deployed, it will be the first bilingual digital pain management programme of its kind in Wales, setting a new standard for accessible, flexible and scalable NHS education.