Are you interested in exploring innovation in healthcare? Join our free, facilitated four-session course, developed and delivered by Health Innovation West of England and the University of Bath’s Centre for Healthcare Innovation and Improvement. This course allows you to learn at your own pace from anywhere you choose. Over 2,500 learners have enrolled on the course to date.

Course content is continually available to learners via the Future Learn platform.

What the programme offers

In this introduction to innovation in healthcare course, you will engage in approximately 3 hours of online study for each of the four sessions. The course aims to approach the challenges of healthcare innovation while providing useful tools and techniques. You will be introduced to key concepts and core tools used in this field.

  • Week 1: Define the key concepts associated with the innovation and diffusion process. Explore the importance of, and opportunities for, innovation.
  • Week 2: Learn how to develop, test, and make the case for healthcare innovation as an individual or organisation.
  • Week 3: Consider the organisational and financial hurdles that must be overcome to bring healthcare inventions to the market. Explore how to evaluate healthcare innovation.
  • Week 4: Discover how innovation can be spread and sustained, concluding our course.

Feedback from former delegates:

“the raw content is an unbeatable overview of the key aspects for healthcare innovations”.

“Amazing course – totally changed my perception about MOOC courses. Very inspiring too. Eager to put into practice all that I learned here!” Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.

“This course has made me really think about the innovation arm of our Trust Improvement Team and our understanding of what is meant by innovation.” Quality Improvement Practitioner

Who is it for?

This course is aimed at health practitioners, clinicians, health and social care managers, and commissioners who want to complete a development opportunity at their own pace. It is also suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as innovators from the commercial sector.

What are the learning outcomes?

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand the need to engage in innovation
  • Recognise healthcare innovation initiatives
  • Understand and apply the key steps involved to take the innovation from the 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 their own organisation

You will also attain the following skills:

  • Be equipped to initiate and support innovation initiatives
  • Critical thinking and evaluation
  • Information analysis and ability to reflect on complex issues

Delegate feedback

  • The course met or exceeded 99% of surveyed learners expectations.
  • 94% of surveyed learners gained new skills or knowledge by completing the course.
  • 67% of surveyed learners started to implement their learning whilst completing the course.
  • 70% of surveyed learners shared their learning with other people whilst completing the course.

CPD certification is available on the Future Learn platform with a paid upgrade.

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The West of England Academy

Explore our free Academy resources to gain essential knowledge and skills for innovative thinking in healthcare. Our resources include events, toolkits and online training.

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Academy resources

We have a range of resources, from toolkits and guides to videos and networks to support you along the innovation journey.

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