Why Clinical Co-Design is the Secret Weapon in Healthcare Innovation: A Success Story

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, one truth stands out: successful digital transformation requires more than just technical expertise—it demands genuine partnership with frontline staff. At Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH), our recent hyperbilirubinaemia project proves that clinical co-design isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.

The Power of Partnership: Beyond Traditional Development

When most healthcare IT projects fail to deliver their promised benefits, they often share a common flaw: insufficient engagement with end users. Our approach at MKUH turned this challenge into an opportunity by embedding clinical expertise into every stage of development.

A Six-Month Journey of Collaborative Innovation

Our development process brought together:

Experienced midwives from various shifts
Specialist neonatal nurses
IT professionals
Clinical systems experts

This diverse team worked collaboratively to address real-world challenges faced during patient care, resulting in a solution that truly understands the pressures of a busy neonatal unit.

Remarkable Results Through Real Understanding

The impact of this collaborative approach speaks for itself:

Full adoption achieved within just three days of launch
Minimal training requirements due to intuitive design
40% of system interactions occurring outside core hours
Seamless integration into existing workflows

“We’re saving valuable time and ensuring information is accessible to those who need it,” explains Lisa Viola, Neonatal Matron at MKUH. “The system works because it was built around our needs, not the other way around.”

Beyond Office Hours: Supporting 24/7 Care

One of the most significant benefits emerged from understanding the round-the-clock nature of neonatal care. With 40% of interactions happening outside regular hours, the system ensures consistent care delivery regardless of time—a critical feature that might have been overlooked without clinical input.