What they learned and gained
NSS, Health Boards, industry and researchers better understand each other’s contexts and potential contributions
- SMEs learned about cancer priorities for NHS Scotland.
- Some SMEs came to the challenge with more knowledge about NHS systems than others. The engagement events and ongoing collaborations ensured all companies had access to the necessary information.
- Ongoing guidance from NHS colleagues ensured SMEs had the right people involved and were able to ‘navigate’ NHS structures and processes. NHS teams learned that time and effort to support innovators is required to enable technical developments that will add value.
- By framing the Challenge around patient need, and through engagement events, we were able to demonstrate the importance to SME’s of involving patients at the outset.
- SMEs were made aware of the data ‘challenges’ within the NHS context, and were able to shape realistic proposals.
- With finite capacity, it can be difficult for the NHS to prioritise innovation work over operational imperatives. The CIC approach brought structure and objectivity to assessing the benefits of investing resources and efforts into specific innovative explorations.
- Having influential champions within the Health Board is key to success. IHDP was able to help put the SMEs in touch with such individuals.
Key steps
Ensure sufficient time and attention is available for ongoing engagement.
Place patient need at the centre.
Be clear about any data challenges, to ensure solutions are realistic.
Identify influential champions to support engagement and collaboration.
Impact Stories
The ways in which IHDP’s approach and activities contributed to improved outcomes and impact are shown through impact stories.