Rachael Andrews1, Sarah Greasley1, Sarah Knight2, Sonya Sireau3, Andrea Jordan4, Andrew Bell5, Paul White6. 1. Clinical Scientist, Clinical Engineering Innovation, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK. 2. Clinical Engineer, Clinical Engineering Innovation, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK. 3. Clinical Scientist & Head of Section, Clinical Engineering Innovation, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK. 4. Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist, Paediatric Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK. 5. Charge Nurse, Pain Service, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK. 6. Consultant Clinical Scientist & Head of Department, Clinical Engineering, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is significant need and enormous potential for innovation in clinical settings. However, for various reasons, this potential is rarely realised. AIMS: This paper aims to present a collaborative approach to innovation between clinicians and engineers, using two nursing case studies as examples. Suggestions are offered to improve facilitation of innovation in healthcare settings. METHODS: An engineering design process was applied to develop novel medical devices in response to unmet clinical needs identified by nurses. This process includes problem exploration, definition of project scope, concept generation, detailed design, manufacture, prototype evaluation and iterative design improvements. RESULTS: Two case studies are presented to showcase the results of this multidisciplinary approach to innovation. Both projects resulted in novel medical devices being put into clinical use safely and effectively. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration between nurses and engineers facilitates rapid iteration of novel solutions to unmet clinical needs. Both professions have similar approaches to problem-solving, complemented by specialist knowledge in their contrasting areas of expertise, making for a highly capable multidisciplinary team.
BACKGROUND: There is significant need and enormous potential for innovation in clinical settings. However, for various reasons, this potential is rarely realised. AIMS: This paper aims to present a collaborative approach to innovation between clinicians and engineers, using two nursing case studies as examples. Suggestions are offered to improve facilitation of innovation in healthcare settings. METHODS: An engineering design process was applied to develop novel medical devices in response to unmet clinical needs identified by nurses. This process includes problem exploration, definition of project scope, concept generation, detailed design, manufacture, prototype evaluation and iterative design improvements. RESULTS: Two case studies are presented to showcase the results of this multidisciplinary approach to innovation. Both projects resulted in novel medical devices being put into clinical use safely and effectively. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration between nurses and engineers facilitates rapid iteration of novel solutions to unmet clinical needs. Both professions have similar approaches to problem-solving, complemented by specialist knowledge in their contrasting areas of expertise, making for a highly capable multidisciplinary team.
Authors: Brett Z Fite; Virginia Hinostroza; Lisa States; Alexandria Hicks-Nelson; Lucia Baratto; Kimberly Kallianos; Marina Codari; Brenda Yu; Priyanka Jha; Mana Shams; Tanya Stoyanova; Fanny F Chapelin; Anna Liu; Ali Rashidi; Fernando Soto; Yuri Quintana; Guido Alejandro Davidzon; Krzysztof Marycz; Iris C Gibbs; Daniel B Chonde; Chirag B Patel; Heike Elisabeth Daldrup-Link Journal: Mol Imaging Biol Date: 2021-04-26 Impact factor: 3.484