Healthcare Innovation Research Articles

Revolutionising health and social care: innovative solutions for a brighter tomorrow – a systematic review of the literature

BackgroundIn an era marked by rapid technological advancements, changing demographics, and evolving healthcare needs, the landscape of health services has been undergoing a profound transformation. Innovation has emerged as a central force driving change in the healthcare sector, as stakeholders across the globe strive to enhance the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare services.ObjectiveWithin this dynamic context, this systematic literature review explored the barriers and driving forces behind successful health service innovation.MethodsA comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted using the Griffith University Library search engine and databases that included PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINHAL. To achieve the study goal, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the associated PRISMA checklist guided the review and reporting method.ResultsFindings from this review identified a need for a universal definition of health innovation that encompasses the unique complexities and challenges within this context. In our comprehensive analysis of healthcare innovation, we have uncovered pivotal findings that underscore the indispensable nature of a well-structured framework.ConclusionsTo succeed in fostering innovation within the health and social care sectors, it is imperative to establish an overarching organisational culture that meticulously addresses the following key components: team challenges; communication and collaboration; governance goals and authentic leadership, environmental engagement; and innovation endurance. Through systematic analysis of existing literature, this review offers a definition of health innovation, covering its conceptual foundations, determinants, and barriers, and provides a framework for creating an innovative culture.

Co-creating a Health Entrepreneurship Education for Sustainable Employment and Sector Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa

The unemployment and underemployment of youth in sub-Saharan Africa is a significant socio-economic issue. This situation, coupled with high poverty rates and low health standards, threatens economic growth and social stability. The healthcare sector offers a potential solution through job creation and innovation, yet mismatched skills and a lack of high-quality education hinder progress. Health Entrepreneurship Education (HENT Ed) is crucial to address these challenges by equipping youth with the necessary skills to drive healthcare innovation and economic growth. The Mastercard Foundation’s “Young Africa Works” strategy aims to bridge this gap by facilitating 30 million jobs for youth by 2030, supported by educational curricula and entrepreneurial training. One way of achieving this goal is the MSc in Health Entrepreneurship at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, launched in January 2024. In collaboration with the University of Toronto, this program represents the first global co-created HENT Ed, combining entrepreneurship education with healthcare needs. Early feedback from students reveals the benefits of this innovative approach, indicating positive impacts on engagement and venture success. Continuous evaluation and refinement will ensure the program meets evolving needs, fostering a new generation of health entrepreneurs.

Ensuring safety and efficacy in combination products: regulatory challenges and best practices.

Combination products, amalgamating drugs, biologics, and medical devices, have revolutionized the healthcare landscape with their potential for innovative therapies. However, the intersection of diverse components within these products presents a complex regulatory environment, demanding rigorous attention to safety and efficacy. This article delves into the intricate landscape of regulatory considerations, safety, and efficacy assessments pertaining to combination products-a category at the intersection of drugs, devices, and biologics. The regulatory framework, primarily governed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), necessitates a nuanced classification determining the regulatory pathway. Collaboration between diverse regulatory centers, such as the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), underscores the integrated approach required for these innovative healthcare solutions. Safety considerations unravel the potential risks and adverse events associated with combining diverse components, emphasizing the need for robust risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The evaluation of efficacy involves sophisticated methodologies, clinical trials, and post-market surveillance, with recent advancements incorporating digital technologies. This comprehensive exploration aims to contribute to the evolving understanding and best practices in the regulatory and scientific realms, fostering collaboration and innovation in the development and assessment of combination products.

How Innovation Systems Promote and Hinder Innovations in Healthcare - a Swedish Case

Healthcare organizations must remain up-to-date when healthcare systems are in constant flux. One way to meet challenges is through innovations. The aim of this study is to explore what promotes and hinders the implementation of innovation in healthcare's complex organizational environment. An innovation system was studied through qualitative interviews with nine respondents. The results show that the implementation and adoption of innovations in healthcare are complex. The complexity of the innovation determines the likelihood and speed of the adoption among healthcare professionals. Promoters such as human and financial capital were seen as critical for the sustainability of the innovation. Evaluating the innovation through scientific processes was also important to gain legitimacy and is seen as an important contribution to research. The identifying promoters and hindrances are practical implications to prompt reflection on healthcare innovations among managers and healthcare professionals.

Human-Centric Collaboration and Industry 5.0 Framework in Smart Cities and Communities: Fostering Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 9, and 11 in Society 5.0

The necessity for substantial societal transformations to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has become more urgent, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines the critical role of disruptive technologies, specifically Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0, in driving sustainable development. Our research investigation focuses on their impact on product development, healthcare innovation, pandemic response, and the development of nature-inclusive business models and smart cities. We analyze how these technologies influence SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By integrating these concepts into smart cities, we propose a coordinated framework to enhance the achievement of these goals. Additionally, we provide a SWOT analysis to evaluate this approach. This study aims to guide industrialists, policymakers, and researchers in leveraging technological advancements to meet the SDGs.

Mental health providers are inexperienced but interested in telehealth-based virtual reality therapy: survey study.

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that can enhance experiences and outcomes in mental healthcare. However, mental health therapists have been slow to adopt VR into practice. Implementation of telehealth-based VR therapy (tele-VR) could catalyze adoption and innovation in mental healthcare. To explore therapists' perspectives on tele-VR, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of practicing mental health providers in the United States in June-July 2023. We analyzed 176 completed surveys from therapists, of whom 51.14% had no prior experience with VR, only 6.25% had used VR clinically, and 56.82% had neutral impressions of VR for therapy. Despite therapists' general inexperience with VR, therapists indicated a wide variety of tele-VR simulations (e.g., social situations, flying, heights) and features (e.g., personalized spaces, homework, interactivity) would be moderately to extremely useful for their practices. Therapists also requested additional VR simulations and features for their telehealth clients such as behavioral skills training, exposure therapy, gender identity therapy, and psychological assessments in VR. Therapists rated Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance, the ability to try VR before buying, affordability for therapists, accessibility for clients, and insurance coverage as the five most influential implementation factors for tele-VR. Overall, therapists were generally inexperienced and neutral about VR for telehealth therapy, but were interested in tele-VR for specific applications. These findings provide actionable directions for future research and collaborative development of therapeutic VR content and features.

Controversies in employee-driven innovation: Exploring the Danish public healthcare

This article applies the lens of controversies to explore tensions in the ­interactions among different actors engaged in employee-driven innovation (EDI) in the Danish public healthcare. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with innovation executives and consultants, non-clinical professionals with managerial responsibilities, and clinical professionals. In addition, observation and document analysis were conducted for triangulation purposes. The findings suggest that controversies are process-sensitive, dynamic forces that could become either destructive or constructive, with the potential to re-shape EDI. When mitigation is possible, new insights are generated; when mitigation is not achievable, the more destructive side of controversies emerges, calling for external interventions. This article contributes to the growing study of the human side of innovation and to the call for research on tensions in innovation processes. Leaders of public healthcare organizations could apply the insights to improve EDI strategies, nurture a sense of belonging in the workplace, and reduce opposition to change.

Global, regional, and national burden of female cancers in women of child-bearing age, 1990–2021: analysis of data from the global burden of disease study 2021

The global status of women's health is underestimated, particularly the burden on women of child-bearing age (WCBA). We aim to investigate the pattern and trend of female cancers among WCBA from 1990 to2021. We retrieved data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 on the incidence and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of four major female cancers (breast, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancer) among WCBA (15-49 years) in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) in the age-standardised incidence and DALY rates of female cancers, by age and socio-demographic index (SDI), were calculated to quantify the temporal trends. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between age-standardised rates and SDI. In 2021, an estimated 1,013,475 new cases of overall female cancers were reported globally, with a significant increase in age-standardised incidence rate (EAPC 0.16%), and a decrease in age-standardised DALY rate (-0.73%) from 1990 to 2021. Annual increase trends of age-standardised incidence rate were observed in all cancers, except for that in cervical cancer. Contrary, the age-standardised DALY rate decreased in all cancers. Breast and cervical cancers were prevalent among WCBA worldwide, followed by ovarian and uterine cancers, with regional disparities in the burden of four female cancers. In addition, the age-standardised incidence rates of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers basically showed a consistent upward trend with increasing SDI, while both the age-standardised incidence and DALY rates in cervical cancer exhibited downward trends with SDI. Age-specific rates of female cancers increased with age in 2021, with the most significant changes observed in younger age groups, except for uterine cancer. The rising global incidence of female cancers, coupled with regional variations in DALYs, underscores the urgent need for innovative prevention and healthcare strategies to mitigate the burden among WCBA worldwide. This study was supported by the Science Foundation for Young Scholars of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (NO. 2022QN44 and NO. 2022QN18); the Key R&D Projects of Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology (NO. 2023YFS0196); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82303701).

2023 Inaugural Healthcare Delivery Science: Innovation and Partnerships for Health Equity Research (DESCIPHER) Symposium.

This article provides an overview of presentations and discussions from the inaugural Healthcare Delivery Science: Innovation and Partnerships for Health Equity Research (DESCIPHER) Symposium. The symposium brought together esteemed experts from various disciplines to explore models for translating evidence-based interventions into practice. The symposium highlighted the importance of disruptive innovation in healthcare, the need for multi-stakeholder engagement, and the significance of family and community involvement in healthcare interventions. The article concluded with a call to action for advancing healthcare delivery science to achieve health equity.

Innovations in Healthcare through Computational Intelligence- A Study of Smart Technologies and AI

Innovations in Healthcare through Computational Intelligence- A Study of Smart Technologies and AI

Patient Surveys Are Used Most Often to Assess Health Care Innovations, Rigorous Methods Are Less Common.

The Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Innovations Exchange (IE) was developed to collect and report on innovative approaches to improving health care. The team reviewed 348 IE innovations including patient-reported satisfaction or experience measures. Innovations most often measured overall rating of care (61% of innovations), followed by access (52%) and provider-patient communication (12%). More than half used patient satisfaction surveys (n = 187) rather than patient experience surveys (n = 64). Innovations using patient experience surveys more often measured specific aspects of patient care, for example, access, versus a general overall rating of care. Most innovations using patient experience surveys administered nonvalidated, homegrown surveys, with few using the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality-endorsed, psychometrically-tested CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey. The most common study design was postimplementation-only (65%), highlighting that methodological rigor used to assess patient-centeredness in the IE is low. Broad use of patient experience surveys and more rigorous evaluation study designs has increased some over time but is still lacking.

Health System Strengthening Strategies for Improved Cancer Control in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case of the International Cancer Institute's Blueprint for Innovative Healthcare Access Program in Western Uganda

Health System Strengthening Strategies for Improved Cancer Control in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case of the International Cancer Institute's Blueprint for Innovative Healthcare Access Program in Western Uganda

Smart Medi Box

This paper addresses the prevalent issue of medication mismanagement among older individuals in families, a problem observed not only in our personal context but also widespread across various demographics. Many elderly family members struggle with the complexity of multiple medications, leading to missed doses and inadvertent intake of incorrect medicines. Recognizing the urgency of this concern, we embarked on a mission to devise a solution, resulting in the conceptualization and development of a Smart Medi Box. This innovative device aims to streamline medication management by incorporating smart technology to facilitate accurate dosage scheduling and timely reminders. The impetus for this initiative stems from the staggering statistic that 16 crore (160 million) Indians rely on daily medications. Through the Smart Medi Box, we aspire to enhance medication adherence, mitigate risks associated with incorrect usage, and ultimately improve the overall well-being of individuals managing chronic illnesses. Key Words: Medication management, Smart Medi Box, adherence, medication scheduling, elderly care, health technology, chronic illnesses, reminder system, healthcare innovation, Indian population.

Excellence in Health Care NIRAMAY HOSPITAL

Abstract — “Excellence In Health Care: A Case Study of Niramay Hospital showcases the transformative impact of technology in healthcare management. In response to the growing demands for efficient patient care and resource optimization, Niramay Hospital embarked on the Excellence In Health Care project. Leveraging HTML, CSS, and SQL, a comprehensive web-based system was developed to streamline patient management, enhance staff productivity, and improve overall healthcare delivery. Through the systematic integration of these technologies, Niramay Hospital witnessed remarkable improvements in patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and resource allocation. This abstract encapsulates the methodology, key outcomes, and significance of the project, underscoring the pivotal role of technology in driving healthcare innovation and excellence.” Keywords— Web-Based Application.

AI: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The pursuit of groundbreaking health care innovations has led to the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), thus marking a new frontier that demonstrates the promise of combining the advantages of ancient healing practices with cutting-edge advancements in modern technology. TCM, which is a holistic medical system with >2000 years of empirical support, uses unique diagnostic methods such as inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially via computer systems. TCM is experience oriented, holistic, and subjective, and its combination with AI has beneficial effects, which presumably arises from the perspectives of diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and prognostic veracity. The role of AI in TCM is highlighted by its use in diagnostics, with machine learning enhancing the precision of treatment through complex pattern recognition. This is exemplified by the greater accuracy of TCM syndrome differentiation via tongue images that are analyzed by AI. However, integrating AI into TCM also presents multifaceted challenges, such as data quality and ethical issues; thus, a unified strategy, such as the use of standardized data sets, is required to improve AI understanding and application of TCM principles. The evolution of TCM through the integration of AI is a key factor for elucidating new horizons in health care. As research continues to evolve, it is imperative that technologists and TCM practitioners collaborate to drive innovative solutions that push the boundaries of medical science and honor the profound legacy of TCM. We can chart a future course wherein AI-augmented TCM practices contribute to more systematic, effective, and accessible health care systems for all individuals.

Inclusive innovations in services: leveraging digital technologies for inclusive innovations in healthcare services

PurposeThis paper aims to provide insights into the potential of digital technologies-based innovations for more inclusive healthcare by alleviating the affordability, accessibility and availability barriers to utilization of healthcare services. Also, it aims to provide insights into the potential of digital technologies-based innovations for more inclusive services, broadly.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is inductively developed by analyzing real-world examples of digital technologies-based innovations for more inclusive healthcare through the lenses of economics of information in digital form and certain characteristics of services.FindingsConcurrent implementation of digital technologies-based healthcare innovations with innovations and/or modifications in service processes can enable greater inclusivity by alleviating the affordability, accessibility and availability barriers to utilization of healthcare services.Research limitations/implicationsIssues relating to inequities in healthcare, as a social problem, are the focus of research at multiple levels (e.g. global, national, regional and local) in several academic disciplines. In relation to the scope of the problems and challenges pertaining to providing quality healthcare to the unserved and underserved segments of society, worldwide, the contribution of the proposed framework to practice is modest. However, by highlighting the promise and potential of digital technologies-based innovations as solutions for alleviating barriers to affordability, accessibility and availability of healthcare services during various stages (prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment follow-up) with illustrative vignettes and developing a framework, the article offers insights for future research. For instance, in reference to mission-driven social enterprises that operate in the product-market space for inclusive innovations under resource constraints, a resourcefulness-based view of the social enterprise constitutes a potential avenue for theory development and research.Practical implicationsGiven the conceptual nature of the article, the implications for practice are limited to cognitive implications. Action implications (instrumental implications or implications for practice) are outside of the scope of the article.Social implicationsInnovations that are economically viable, environmentally sustainable and socially impactful is one of the important issues of our times.Originality/valueThe proposed framework provides insights into the potential of digital technologies-based innovations for more inclusive healthcare by alleviating the affordability, accessibility and availability barriers in the context of emerging and less developed country markets and base of the pyramid segments of society in these markets.

Managing healthcare innovation activities in Kazakhstan for optimal effectiveness

ABSTRACT The purpose of the article is to substantiate the theoretical, methodological, and conceptual foundations for managing innovative activities in the healthcare system of the Republic of Kazakhstan and develop recommendations aimed at improving its effectiveness in modern conditions. This study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating retrospective analysis, statistical evaluation, and economic analysis to examine trends and performance in healthcare innovation within Kazakhstan. It utilizes dynamic and structural analysis to assess innovation effectiveness and identifies key factors influencing innovative activity through equity participation and ranking methods, underpinning recommendations for improved management practices. This article critically concludes that healthcare innovation in Kazakhstan must address the low effectiveness of current innovative activities, hindered primarily by insufficient demand and funding constraints. The study underscores the essential role of a robust management mechanism focused on resource allocation, service delivery efficiency, and digital technology integration. It highlights the necessity for strategic funding distribution, enhanced international cooperation, and leveraging higher education institutions for innovation drive. The findings advocate for comprehensive strategies to boost innovation’s commercial efficiency and suggest further research on implementing these strategies in the context of Kazakhstan’s unique socioeconomic landscape and healthcare needs. Priority recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of managing the country’s healthcare innovation activities have been formed. The results obtained in the study can be useful both to the scientific community and to managers at various levels in the healthcare sector.

Challenges of the new Fiocruz Biodiversity and Health Biobank for preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), a Brazilian federal research institution supported by the Brazilian Health Ministry, established a biobank. This biobank began by preserving the SARS-CoV-2 virus and human biological material related to COVID-19. This innovative initiative combined human and biodiversity materials within a single infrastructure. Designed for supporting research, development, and innovation in healthcare and preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, the biobank’s focus has since expanded to include various biological materials, leading to its renaming as the Biodiversity and Health Biobank - Fiocruz-BBS (Portuguese: Biobanco da Biodiversidade e Saúde da Fiocruz – BBS-Fiocruz). This paper outlines the challenges of creating and maintaining an adequate infrastructure in a developing country for promoting and supporting scientific research and biotechnological innovation activities in health through processes of depositing, characterizing, preserving, and supplying human and biodiversity biological materials, alongside associated data, while complying with prevailing legal and ethical rules. These processes adhere to stringent quality, biosafety, and biosecurity standards set forth in ISO 20387:2018. Additionally, the challenges of ensuring the Biobank’s long-term sustainability is discussed. This involves a) establishing benchmarks and best practices, b) developing a comprehensive business plan, c) forging partnerships, d) diversifying funding sources, e) ensuring ethical and legal compliance, f) implementing rigorous quality control procedures, and g) investing in human resources and infrastructure. The insights shared in this paper will benefit other biobanks engaged in services related to tropical infectious diseases.

Meaning, Concept and Application of Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics, originating from the term coined in 1979 by Paulien Hogeweg and Ben Hesper, is a burgeoning interdisciplinary field at the nexus of biology, computer science, and information technology. It encompasses the collection, classification, storage, and analysis of vast biological datasets using computational methods, aiming to unravel the complexities of biological systems. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of bioinformatics, emphasizing its definition, scope, branches, aims, research areas, databases, and applications, particularly highlighting its role in drug discovery through structural bioinformatics. Bioinformatics integrates diverse branches such as computational biology, genomics, proteomics, structural biology, systems biology, pharmacogenomics, and bioprogramming. Each branch applies mathematical modeling, molecular interactions analysis, or genomic data interpretation to advance understanding in biology and medicine. Key aims include applying advanced computational technologies to biological problems, presenting complex data clearly, and providing robust statistical tools for genomic analysis. The field also fosters collaborations across academic, commercial, and government sectors to leverage resources and expertise. Research areas span computational evolutionary analysis, genome annotation, gene expression analysis, cancer mutation studies, and comparative genomics, illuminating disease mechanisms and evolutionary relationships. Bioinformatics databases play a crucial role by storing and organizing biological data. Primary repositories like GenBank and the Protein Data Bank (PDB), secondary databases such as SWISS-Prot, and specialized databases support research and clinical applications by providing access to genomic, proteomic, and structural information. In drug discovery, structural bioinformatics techniques like homology modeling, molecular docking, and simulations predict protein structures, analyze interactions, and aid in designing therapies. These computational methods accelerate drug development, optimize drug-target interactions, and reduce costs associated with bringing new drugs to market. Overall, bioinformatics drives innovation in biological sciences and healthcare by leveraging computational methods to interpret biological data. As technology advances, bioinformatics will continue to play a pivotal role in addressing global health challenges, advancing personalized medicine, and facilitating groundbreaking discoveries in biology and medicine. The evolving field of bioinformatics promises continued growth and impact, shaping the future of biological research and its applications in improving human health and understanding the natural world. Keywords: Bioinformatics, Computational biology, Structural bioinformatics, Drug discovery, Genomics.

The Healthcare Improvement and Innovation in Quality (THINQ) Collaborative: A Novel Quality Improvement Training Program for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students.

The Healthcare Improvement and Innovation in Quality (THINQ) Collaborative is a uniquely designed program that engages undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in improving health care and addressing important clinical problems. In 9 years, over 120 THINQ Fellows have been trained in quality improvement (QI) frameworks and methodologies focusing on research skills, social justice, leadership development, and problem-solving. Program evaluation has included surveying current and former THINQ Fellows about their experiences with the program and its subsequent impact on their careers. THINQ's research and outreach initiatives have contributed to improvements in workflows and clinical care on topics such as interdisciplinary team communication, discharge and care transition, sepsis management, and physician burnout. The THINQ Program has equipped future health care leaders to engage with and address QI issues in clinical practice. The structures, processes, and outcomes discussed here can guide other institutions in creating similar QI programs.