• University of Bath
  • WEAHSN

An Introduction to Innovation in Healthcare

Explore the need for innovation in healthcare, the development, adoption and spread of an innovation, and blockers to adoption.

2,681 enrolled on this course

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An Introduction to Innovation in Healthcare

2,681 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Intermediate level

Find out more about how to join this course

Discover the tools needed for healthcare innovation

On this four-week course from the University of Bath and the West of England AHSN, you’ll be introduced to some of the tools and techniques that individuals and teams can use to develop and refine new products, processes, and services. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to initiate and support innovation initiatives in your own organisation.

Understand how to take innovation from idea to realisation

When developing innovation, there are concepts and techniques that you can use to aid the process. This course will guide you through the innovation journey, from spotting opportunities for innovation to conducting research and generating ideas.

You’ll then look at innovation in practice and the key steps involved in the process. This section will take you through developing and testing initiatives, sizing the market and mapping competition, and the project planning aspects.

Explore the implementation of healthcare innovation

Innovation often isn’t just a one-person job; it takes strong teamwork and collaboration to ideate and implement innovation. This course will take you through the importance of these skills, as well as how individuals, teams, and organisations are encouraged to develop an innovation mindset.

You’ll also consider the obstacles and challenges that have to be overcome to bring healthcare innovation to market, as well as the factors that influence the successful adoption and diffusion of healthcare innovations.

Learn from the experts at the University of Bath

The course is developed by the University of Bath, drawing on the expertise of its School of Management and the West of England AHSN, which is able to link to all the key players in the area of health and care innovation across the region.

What topics will you cover?

The course aims to approach the challenges of healthcare innovation, while signposting useful tools and techniques. This course is not designed to cover all the aspects of healthcare innovation, but rather is designed to introduce learners to some of the core concepts and tools used in this field.

  • Week 1 defines the key concepts associated with the process of innovation and diffusion. We will also discuss the importance of, and opportunities for, innovation.
  • Week 2 examines how individuals and organisations can develop, test, and make the case for their healthcare innovation.
  • Week 3 considers the organisational and financial hurdles that must be overcome in order to bring healthcare invention to the market. We will also examine how to evaluate healthcare innovation.
  • Finally, Week 4 examines how innovation can be spread and sustained, concluding our course.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Understand the need to engage in innovation.
  • Understand and apply the key steps involved to take an innovation from idea to realisation.
  • Evaluate how individuals and organisations might be encouraged to develop an innovation mindset.
  • Understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
  • Evaluate the challenges of healthcare innovation in relation to your own organisation.
  • Recognise healthcare innovation initiatives.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone looking to understand the process and challenges of innovation in healthcare. It will be of special interest to health practitioners, clinicians, health and social managers, and commissioners and innovators from the commercial sector.

It will be especially valuable if you work in health and social care as it will enable you to apply theories and approaches in your own workplace.

Who will you learn with?

Nigel is the Director of Innovation and Growth with the West of England AHSN, a visiting Professor at the University of Bath and West of England, and an Ex charity CEO and NHS Clinical Scientist.

Rossella is a Senior Lecturer in Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the School of Management at the University of Bath.

Who developed the course?

University of Bath

The University of Bath is one of the UK’s leading universities both in terms of research and our reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and graduate prospects.

West of England Academic Health Science Network

The West of England Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) brings together all the key players innovating health and care in our region.

We are one of 15 AHSNs across the country, established by NHS England in 2013. Together we make up the AHSN Network.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$349.99 for one year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$134/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 23 May 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Learning on FutureLearn

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  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
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Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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