Nachiappan Chockalingam*
School of Health, Science and Wellbeing at Staffordshire University
*Corresponding author: Nachiappan Chockalingam, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing at Staffordshire University, UK, email: n.chockalingam@staffs.ac.uk
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17532/dzn.2023.017
Abstract
Meaningful innovation in healthcare requires looking beyond the latest gadgets and apps to focus on practical solutions that tangibly improve patient outcomes and standard of care. Innovation in healthcare is not limited to new technology alone, but also encompasses advancements in techniques and practice that improve clinical outcomes. There is a tremendous opportunity to leverage data and analytics to enable more evidence-based decision-making that optimises healthcare delivery. However, the focus should be less on novel tools and more on developing the right methodology that translates meaningfully in clinical settings. This lecture will cover two examples; the first one will focus on our research on simple assistive devices demonstrates that low-tech, creative solutions can profoundly empower patients and transform their activities of daily living and the second one will highlight how our novel approach to data reduction and synthesis in movement analysis can help the clinical management of musculoskeletal disorders. Forward progress requires moving beyond conventional thinking to spark ideas that drive healthcare to new frontiers. Advancement is only meaningful when it directly responds to real patient and clinical needs, not innovation purely for its own sake. Technological tools undoubtedly will continue redefining healthcare practice, but will only realise their full potential when guided by clinical reality, patient or user centered approaches, and a commitment to thinking creatively about improving care.