From development to exploitation of digital health solutions: lessons learnt through multidisciplinary research and consultancy
Journal of Enabling Technologies
ISSN: 2398-6263
Article publication date: 28 November 2020
Issue publication date: 9 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This viewpoint paper provides an overview of lessons learnt throughout the whole cycle of development to exploitation of digital solutions in health and wellbeing settings. This paper aims to address learnings that can be applied to all digital health technologies, including assistive technologies, apps, wearables, medical devices and serious games.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the knowledge and experiences of working within a multidisciplinary team, the authors discuss lessons learnt through research and consultancy projects in digital health and translate these into pragmatic suggestions and recommendations.
Findings
Firstly, the importance of collaborating and co-creating with multidisciplinary stakeholders and end users throughout the whole project lifecycle is emphasised. Secondly, digital health solutions are not a means to an end, nor a panacea; decisions should be evidence-based and needs-driven. Thirdly, whenever possible, research designs and tools need to be more adaptive and personalised. Fourthly, the use of a mixed-method system approach and continuous evaluation throughout the project’s lifecycle is recommended to build up the evidence base. Fifthly, to ensure successful exploitation and implementation, a business case and timely bottom-up approach is recommended. Finally, to prevent research waste, it is our shared responsibility to collaborate with existing consortia and create an awareness of existing solutions and approaches.
Originality/value
In conclusion, collaborating in the field of digital health offered insights into how to be more purposeful and effective in development, evaluation and exploitation of digital health solutions. Moving this diverse and dynamic field forward is challenging but will contribute to greater long-term impact on society.
Keywords
Citation
Bul, K., Holliday, N., Magee, P. and Wark, P. (2020), "From development to exploitation of digital health solutions: lessons learnt through multidisciplinary research and consultancy", Journal of Enabling Technologies, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 273-279. https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-09-2020-0035
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited