Challenges in Research on Health and Welfare Technology, from User Needs to Sustainable Implementation

Digitalisation gives rise to huge possibilities and challenges in the field of health and welfare. Digitalisation places new demands on users, care providers, companies, public sector organisations and other stakeholders. One way of addressing challenges and exploiting possibilities is to apply cocreation to the entire process, from the planning to the implementation of services and products. The course consists of three modules:

Module 1. Societal challenges and participatory innovation processes
Module 1 focuses on the societal challenges described in Agenda 2030 and innovation processes within the field of health and welfare in a Swedish context. The aim of the module is to increase knowledge and understanding of innovation in the form of Health and Welfare Technologies HTW) in different healthcare and welfare settings, and applies both a meso- (organisation) and macro- (system) perspective. Theories and models, including concepts and definitions relating to innovation are presented to facilitate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities with using HWT in health care and social services. The module includes practical examples of co-creative health innovation processes in the field of health and welfare and discusses ethical aspects and evidence of the effects of HWT.

Module 2 focuses on the theoretical and methodological perspectives of co-production and participatory design. Co-production and participatory design are advocated as effective ways of involving citizens in the design, management, delivery and evaluation of health and social care services. Participatory design is applied in research, while co-production can take place both in research and daily practice within health and welfare. Module 2 aims to explain, discuss, problematize, synthesize and apply theoretical and methodological perspectives of co-production and participatory design within the area of health and welfare.

Module 3 focuses on the implementation of HWT from an implementation science perspective. The module aims to explain, discuss, problematize, synthesize and apply implementation theories, models and frameworks in research. Different strategies to manage the possibilities and obstacles that may arise in conjunction with the implementation of HWT, including participatory approaches, are discussed. A practical, systematic and theory-based application of implementation theories, models and frameworks is integrated by Logic theory.
The instruction of this course will be broadcasted from three different higher education institutions: Halmstad University, Mälardalen University, Jönköping University.