Healthcare Innovation Research Articles

Revolutionizing Healthcare and Drug Discovery: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Pharmaceutical Development

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping drug discovery and delivery in the pharmaceutical industry, fundamentally transforming traditional methods. In drug discovery, AI algorithms rapidly analyze vast biological and chemical datasets to identify potential drug candidates with unprecedented accuracy. Machine learning models predict compound efficacy and safety, accelerating earlystage drug development. AI also facilitates drug repurposing, uncovering new therapeutic uses for existing medications. At the drug delivery front, AI optimizes formulations and systems, enabling targeted and personalized approaches. Intelligent algorithms enhance the understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, guiding the development of precision medicine strategies. This integration of AI not only expedites innovative drug discovery but also refines delivery mechanisms, promising more effective and tailored treatments with the potential to revolutionize patient care. The data-processing capabilities of AI drive digitalization and widespread utilization. Applications in drug discovery, development, repurposing, and clinical trials aim to alleviate human workload, expedite objectives, and foster innovation. Despite promising prospects, concerns about job displacement and stringent regulations accompany AI implementation. Emphasizing the intent to augment human labor rather than replace it entirely, the industry anticipates that AI will become a pivotal resource, propelling efficiency, innovation, and advancements in healthcare. This review emphasizes the role of AI in transforming drug discovery and delivery

Identifying innovations produced by primary health care centers and evaluating their scalability: the SPRINT Occitanie cross-sectional study in France

BackgroundPractice-based research is one of the levers identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen primary health care. The scaling of health and social care innovations has the potential to reduce inequities in health and to expand the benefits of effective innovations. It is now rapidly gaining the attention of decision-makers in health and social care, particularly in high-income countries.To meet the challenge of declining numbers of primary care physicians in France, Multi-professional Healthcare Centers (MHC) were created to bring together medical and paramedical professionals. They are a source of innovation in meeting the health challenges facing our populations.Specific methodology exists to identify health innovations and assess their scalability. A working group, including end-users and specialists, has adapted this methodology to the French context and the University department of general practice of Montpellier-Nîmes (France) launched a pilot study in Occitanie, a French region.ObjectiveTo identify and evaluate the scalability of innovations produced in pluri-professional healthcare centers in the Occitanie region.MethodsA pilot, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out. The SPRINT Occitanie study was based on a questionnaire with two sections: MHC information and the modified Innovation Scalability Self-Administered Questionnaire (ISSaQ), version 2020. The study population was all 279 MHC in the Occitanie region.Results19.3% (54) of MHC in the Occitanie region, responded fully or incompletely to the questionnaire. Four out of 5 U-MHCs were represented. Five MHC presented multiple innovations. The average per MHC was 1.94 (± 2.4) innovations. 26% of them (n = 9) had high scalability, 34% (n = 12) medium scalability and 40% (n = 14) low scalability. The main innovation represented (86%) were healthcare program, service, and tool.ConclusionsIn our cross-sectional study, a quarter of the innovations were highly scalable. We were able to demonstrate the importance of MHC teams in working on primary care research through the prism of innovations. Primary-care innovations must be detected, evaluated, and extracted to improve their impact on their healthcare system.

A comparison of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with a primary and secondary prophylactic indication for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. [Data from the ACQUIRE-ICD RCT

Abstract Introduction Indication for the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is either primary or secondary prophylactic. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are known to be evident in patients with an ICD. However, research has not shown agreement in whether there is a difference in the degree of symptoms in these two indication groups. Purpose We investigated the association between anxiety and depression and indication for ICD from implantation and up to 24 months of follow-up. Methods Data was derived from a national randomized controlled trial the "Web-based healthcare innovation to advance the quality of life and care of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator [ACQUIRE-ICD]" to perform a secondary analysis. A total of 478 patients with a first-time ICD were included and completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) after ICD implantation and at 6, 12 and 24 months. Mixed effects regression models and estimated marginal means were used to analyze longitudinal data. Results Anxiety mean scores did not differ statistically between patients with a primary prophylactic ICD as compared to patients with a secondary prophylactic ICD. Most patients showed limited symptoms of anxiety. However, 9% reported values above the cut-off for clinical relevant anxiety. Depression mean scores were significantly higher at 24 months in patients with primary prophylactic ICD as compared to patients with a secondary prophylactic ICD (mean 4.15 vs. 3.05; p=0.014) but not statistically significant at other time points. Most patients showed limited levels of depression. However, 13.2% reported values above the cut-off for clinical relevant depression. Both anxiety and depression scores decreased over time from baseline in both groups. Conclusion Patients with a primary prophylactic ICD did not differ in symptoms of anxiety and had mostly the same level of depression as compared to patients with a secondary prophylactic ICD. However, at 24 months patients with a primary prophylactic ICD reported more symptoms of depression as compared to patients with a secondary prophylactic ICD.Table 1

Implementation of a Co-Design Strategy to Develop a Dashboard to Support Shared Decision Making in Advanced Cancer and Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background: Shared decision making (SDM) is the process by which patients and clinicians exchange information and preferences to come to joint healthcare decisions. Clinical dashboards can support SDM by collecting, distilling, and presenting critical information, such as patient-reported outcomes (PROs), to be shared at points of care and in between appointments. We describe the implementation strategies and outcomes of a multistakeholder collaborative process known as "co-design" to develop a PRO-informed clinical dashboard to support SDM for patients with advanced cancer or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Across 14 sessions, two multidisciplinary teams comprising patients, care partners, clinicians, and other stakeholders iteratively co-designed an SDM dashboard for either advanced cancer (N = 25) or CKD (N = 24). Eligible patients, care partners, and frontline clinicians were identified by six physician champions. The co-design process included four key steps: (1) define "the problem", (2) establish context of use, (3) build a consensus on design, and (4) define and test specifications. We also evaluated our success in implementing the co-design strategy using measures of fidelity, acceptability, adoption, feasibility, and effectiveness which were collected throughout the process. Results: Mean (M) scores across implementation measures of the co-design process were high, including observer-rated fidelity and adoption of co-design practices (M = 19.1 on a 7-21 scale, N = 36 ratings across 9 sessions), as well as acceptability based on the perceived degree of SDM that occurred during the co-design process (M = 10.4 on a 0 to 12 adapted collaboRATE scale). Capturing the feasibility and adoption of convening multistakeholder co-design teams, min-max normalized scores (ranging from 0 to 1) of stakeholder representation demonstrated that, on average, 95% of stakeholder types were represented for cancer sessions (M = 0.95) and 85% for CKD sessions (M = 0.85). The co-design process was rated as either "fully" or "partially" effective by 100% of respondents, in creating a dashboard that met its intended objective. Conclusions: A co-design process was successfully implemented to develop SDM clinical dashboards for advanced cancer and CKD care. We discuss key strategies and learnings from this process that may aid others in the development and uptake of patient-centered healthcare innovations.

Implementation of Innovative Healthcare Infrastructure Projects: the Experience of Spain

The article focuses on the implementation of innovative healthcare infrastructure projects, with a pilot case in Spain. It emphasizes the critical role of innovation and advance capabilities systems for healthcare for enhancing service quality and creating productive environments aligned with sustainable development principles. The article demonstrates the complexity of implementing social projects and the problems of their dissemination. It explores the key elements of implementing innovative healthcare infrastructure projects (using the example of health-oriented advanced lighting in medical facilities). The methodology incorporates a comprehensive analysis of current lighting technologies in medical institutions and their impact on both staff and patients. The study explores the adoption of biodynamic lighting systems, which adapt to human circadian rhythms, thereby contributing to health and well-being. The methodology incorporates a comprehensive analysis of current lighting technologies in medical institutions and their impact on both staff and patients. The article discusses the project CHRONOlight, implemented in a central Hospital, aiming to develop and optimize a biodynamic lighting system. The project serves as a model for integrating innovative lighting solutions in healthcare facilities, showcasing the potential for significant improvements in patient care and worker productivity. The findings suggest that innovative lighting technologies are essential for advancing healthcare infrastructure towards more sustainable and effective practices. The emphasis is on the necessity of engaging stakeholders in the implementation process of innovations, and their characterization is described using the CHRONOlight project as an example. The need for using a project communication management model is highlighted, and a model for managing project communications for CHRONOlight is proposed. Статтю розміщено в рамках грантової програми ГО «НАУКОВО-ОСВІТНІЙ ІННОВА-ЦІЙНИЙ ЦЕНТР СУСПІЛЬНИХ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЙ» за підсумками Конкурсу індивідуальнихгрантів «Ініціатива підтримки науковців» https://reicst.sgv.in.ua/index.php/naukovi-osvitniproekti-b/grantovi-programi/79-konkurs-individualnikh-grantiv-initsiativa-pidtrimki-naukovtsiv

Roger’s diffusion of innovations theory and the adoption of a patient portal’s digital anamnesis collection tool: study protocol for the MAiBest project

BackgroundGerman hospitals are legally obliged to implement digital patient portals within the next years. Systematic reviews show that the use of patient portals may be associated with improved patient-centeredness and workflows. However, mandatory digital healthcare innovations are sometimes not used by the target group as planned or even completely rejected. Based on Roger's theory of innovation diffusion, it can be assumed that the time factor is of particular importance for the adoption of the patient portal. The aim of the project is to assess determinants of patient portal adoption and to examine whether Roger’s theory can be confirmed.MethodsThe project investigates the use of the patient portal in three different clinics of a large academic teaching hospital in Germany using a longitudinal study design with three cross-sectional time points (pre, post, post). Doctors and patients are surveyed about factors that predict the use of the patient portal and whether the strength of these factors changes over time. They are also interviewed about possible barriers they experience when using the patient portal or about the reasons why the patient portal is not used. Regression models and content analyses are used to answer the research questions.DiscussionDeterminants of patient portal use will be discussed under the light of the temporal component of Roger's theory. At the same time, it is expected that some determinants will remain unchanged over time. Identifying determinants independent of time allows targeting the groups, enabling specific communication strategies to empower these groups to use the patient portal, contributing to an equal health care system.Trial registrationThe study was prospectively registered in the German register of clinical trials (DRKS00033125) in May 2024.

Digital Healthcare Innovations and Idea Management

The aim of the paper is to analyse the global demand development and funding of digital healthcare innovations and also characterise idea management trends in the digital healthcare context. Web-based idea management systems (IMS) fall in line with the growing importance of information communication technologies, the spread of open innovation and co-innovation, etc. Especially systems, which are based on the Internet during COVID-19 have become important tools in all sectors. Plus, over the last few years the changes related to digital healthcare have taken place and now in this context the questions have been raised. How could they be linked with a web-based IMS? What are digital healthcare innovation demands and funding trends? The changes in search habits for health information over the last three years have become statistically significant. The growth of funding volumes has followed these changes because both digital health care and digital therapeutics have increased much faster during pandemic times than before. The growth in 2020 compared to 2019 reached 53.9%, but in 2021 compared to 2020 it even accounted 74.7%. The Asian region and Europe have also seen a sharp increase in the leverage over the past two years, but pre-pandemic levels were significantly lower than in the United States. Average annual volumes of investments in digital health have increased by about 4.2 Bn$ per year in the USA, by about 1.2 Bn$ per year in Asia, by about 0.83 Bn$ per year in Europe and by about 0.15 Bn$ per year in other regions. Such demand and funding could boost new innovations in healthcare with web-based idea management systems by internal, external, and mixed approaches in organisations with active and passive IMS. Plus, IMS could become a tool to create innovations in product or organisational innovation.

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.