Come on a real innovation journey...
Developing a new idea or innovation in health and care is like going on an expedition into the unknown. The more we prepare, the better our chances of success.
This is a unique workshop series that takes students, researchers and healthcare professionals on an interactive & practical crash course journey through the innovation process in health and care
Maximise the chances of getting new innovations, research and inventions developed and used in clinical practice
The Health Innovation Expedition Audience
Front line NHS staff and early career researchers who create new innovations are often completely unprepared for developing it, what the process entails, or even whether they have created something new.
Graduates who have just started work in the NHS often feel their ideas won't be listened to because of hierarchical structures in the NHS.
Micro Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) wanting to introduce new products to the NHS can be set back without understanding the requirements, product fit, patient pathway or how to sell into the NHS.
The Course
Developing a new product or service for the first time is very much like going on a journey. An expedition into the unknown.
The more prepared we can be as to what is likely to happen and the information that we need, the more chances we have of success.
Right from the start The Health Innovation Expedition uses case studies, crafted team projects as well as the experience of the tutor and peer-experience to look at how the innovation process works in Health - something no generic innovation or business module can do. There is no single academic model that works in developing new innovations in health.
How it works...
The course is extremely flexible and each organisation I have run it for has incorporated it into their own programme.
The two days teaching can be delivered over two consecutive days, two separated days, or each of the four main sections (Prepare, Create, Test, Opportunity) extended to give four days teaching.
It is important for participants to hear about the organisational / local / regional support available in the future as potential innovators as well as have the Dragon's Den pitches.
In terms of format, it is completely up to you depending on time tables, staff availability and so on.
The multi-day format can be delivered in a block, or over a series of weeks (a day a week) with project 'homework' for teams in between. This is the best format for NHS staff who may not be able to get away for a whole chunk of a week. Day 1 (Prepare & Create) can be delivered as a stand alone course.
The Tutor
The course is the brain child of Dr Fabian Seymour who wrote it and delivers it.
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BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences (University of Sussex, 1995)
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PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (University of Exeter, 2000)
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Five years of post-doctoral research experience with publications in peer reviewed scientific journals (University of Nottingham & British Antarctic Survey, 1996-2006)
Following a successful career as a research scientist he pursued a career in university science-business development, specifically but not exclusively in the life-sciences and healthcare sectors (2006-2017). Over this period he worked with students, early career researchers, academics, University support services (enterprise, technology transfer and student/staff professional development), SMEs, regional support and development agencies from many different sectors and was involved first-hand in the development or project management of such interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives.
Testimonials
Here are some of the students from the June 2018 cohort who have gone on to start careers in the NHS from Sheffield Hallam University talking about their experiences of the course.
In June and July 2023, we ran the course for the Allied Health Professionals Network in the East Midlands and Lincoln University researchers. This was a big event and has caused a huge positive stir in the East Midlands region. To see some of the feedback please click on the links below. These will open on the University of Lincoln website:
Benefits
The Health Innovation Expedition is multi-faceted and introduces a range of outcomes mentioned above. The original aim for developing the course has been met - to introduce potential innovators to the innovation process, to understand how to complete disclosure forms appropriately, to facilitate better relationships with technology transfer staff and to be able to have the confidence and tools to be able to research a problem and develop a robust solution concept.
Other major aspects from the start was to develop better team communication and co-working among staff and students - breaking down silos. Understanding that research is not the realm of PhDs was also important to empower staff to undertake their own reviews and evaluations.
Additionally for organisations and institutions this course meets:
The Topol Review
The NHS Long Term Plan
Teaching Excellence Framework
