SmartCHANGE recently hosted a webinar entitled "Co-Design Across Borders: Insights from Large-Scale Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in Healthcare Tool Design". During this session, experts shared lessons learned from a six-month cross-border co-design process. The webinar highlighted best practices and identified the unique challenges of developing healthcare tools collaboratively across multiple countries.
Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a global health concern, accounting for 74% of deaths worldwide. Preventive efforts targeting youth can make a lasting impact, especially when supported by e-health technologies. However, implementing such tools effectively and consistently remains challenging. The SmartCHANGE project is working to address this by developing an AI-driven platform focused on risk prediction and promoting healthier behaviours among young people. Using a user-centred co-design approach, SmartCHANGE aims to create solutions that seamlessly integrate into healthcare workflows and directly address user needs.
Key highlights
The webinar highlighted the importance of actively engaging end-users during the initial stages of the co-design process of healthcare tools. Involving end-users improves technology adoption and ensures that these tools address real needs.
Experts shared strategies for effectively co-designing across different healthcare systems and cultural contexts. Successful cross-border collaboration requires flexibility, clear communication, and adaptation to different comfort levels and expertise.
Managing qualitative data generated in co-design processes is critical to cross-border projects. Approaches like clustering and organising insights help make sense of diverse data while respecting cultural differences and maintaining empathy with target groups remotely. Harmonising outcomes across regions involves creativity and careful coordination, as insights must align despite varied healthcare practices and participant expectations.
The session concluded by emphasising the importance of collaboration and the role of local facilitators. These facilitators can bridge the gaps in understanding users’ needs and cultural backgrounds. They are invaluable in navigating the dynamics of cross-border co-design, ensuring that solutions are both innovative and culturally relevant.
Looking ahead
SmartCHANGE will use these co-design insights to develop its AI-driven e-health platform to promote preventive health measures for young people. The full webinar recording is available below.