In advance of starting any product development, there are several questions that should be asked, including:
·    What problem am I trying to solve with this new product? Is it a major issue or a niche concern, and does the problem exist in one area or across multiple locations?
·    Does this already exist elsewhere or is it in development already elsewhere?
·    Can this be delivered without the input of a strategic partner, and if not, who could play the role of strategic partner?
The seven steps of product development, should be reviewed in advance of commencing development of any product. Using tools and best practice to develop ideas and structured approaches can help reduce the likelihood of failure – but remembering that failure is a normal part of innovation will be key to ensuring you know when to push ahead and when to cut your losses and move on. Learn more here: Development cycles and medical devices

As a rapid adopter of technologies that improve diagnosis, treatment and overall patient care, the healthcare sector frequently utilises new innovations. Alongside this, mass-market innovations such as low-cost gene analysis, access to telemedicine and ‘wearables’ that offer individuals insight into their own health, have become the norm. And, in the near future, bionic prosthetics, smartphone-connected pacemakers and contact lenses that can track glucose levels may become part of everyday life for many. However, not all areas of healthcare systems adopt new technologies at the same pace, and this is reflected in the challenges the sector faces. Learn more here: The future of healthcare: innovation’s role

The complexity of planning and implementing AI across a healthcare system may be daunting, but the potential benefits are many. AI may help healthcare systems make better use of existing data, considering patterns and patient history when diagnosing a current problem or predicting a possible future one. Equally, data generated by new technologies such as wearables could offer insights into patients’ daily lives, with consistent, quantified information on patient activities – helping to identify patterns or anomalies, and leading to quicker diagnosis and treatment of some conditions.
 
Automating part of the data analysis for diagnosis may support quicker processes of much larger quantities of information. The benefits of this could range from clinical healthcare improvements to shortening time spent on admin-based tasks. In the long-term, this type of analysis may also support more precise approaches for treatment plans, offering a tailored plan that meets the unique needs of each patient. Learn more here: Artificial Intelligence and healthcare: A smart move?

Telemedicine will not solve all challenges relating to healthcare, but reducing or removing some will have a positive impact on both providers and users. If you have a product related to remote access of healthcare services and would like assistance developing it or bringing it to market, contact us. Learn more here: The pandemic accelerated telemedicine’s rise, but what will the future hold?

Start by contacting us. We’ll ask you about your business and your aspirations. The journey to getting new ideas moving is not a linear one; our approach starts with an ‘Innovation Canvas’ – a tool to help businesses understand where they are on this journey and give them a realistic innovation strategy that has a measurable beginning, middle and end. After we’ve connected, our specialist advisors will use proven tools and techniques to support you on a number of areas, working with you to understand your challenges and become a catalyst for transforming your business. 

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