Advancing evidence-based digital health through an innovative research environment: an academic-industry collaboration case report

Abstract

The proliferation of technology enthuses clinicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs to revolutionize health care and care delivery. Intersecting in the field of digital health, academicindustry collaboration (AIC) play a critical role in advancing evidence-based innovations into real world application. AIC models vary, but historically have not included the strong emphasis on rapid research and discovery that the digital health field demands. Due to the voluminous availability of real time patient and client data, academic health centers offer a rich interdisciplinary environment to develop, pilot and evaluate innovations in pragmatic settings. Despite the opportunity between academic health centers and industry to advance digital health innovation through rapid research, limited evidence exists of such collaboration. The purpose of this case report is to examine an AIC facilitating research of new health technologies within an academic health center. This paper presents a case report involving collaboration between diverse technology industry partners and an academic health center that encompasses a university health system (UCHealth), a university technology transfer office (CU Innovations), an innovation center (CARE Innovation Center), and research collaborators (mHealth Impact Laboratory). Case assertions discuss the lessons learned and recommendations when implementing such collaboration in practice. The principal finding is that academic health centers offer an innovative environment for AIC in digital health. Collaborations between academia and industry provide much promise in ensuring health innovations are scientifically sound while meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving technical climate.

Benefits, Facilitators, and Recommendations for Digital Health Academic-Industry Collaboration: A Mini Review

“…The literature adequately reports challenges for AIC; however, it lacks a synthesis of benefits (e.g., outcomes) of partnerships and facilitators that guide such collaborations specific to digital health. With ongoing endorsement for AIC in digital health ( 11 , 12 , 27 , 41 , 42 ), initial investigation is needed to build consensus on best practices and approaches. The purpose of this mini review describes the benefits and facilitators of historical AIC and offers potential AIC recommendations specific to the digital health context.…”

What Makes for a Successful Digital Health Integrated Program of Work? Lessons Learnt and Recommendations From the Melbourne Children's Campus

“…Yet the practicalities of implementation and sustainability of digital solutions in healthcare remain complex to navigate. To address these challenges, academic medical centers developed various programs (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). The Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) established the Digital Health Translation and Implementation program (DHTI) -an integrated program of digital health research and clinical and community application.…”