BU7069 Innovation in Health and Social Care Assignment

Assessment Task

Innovation in health and social care has been a topic of interest in recent years, as healthcare providers and policymakers recognize the need to address the challenges of an ageing population, rising healthcare costs, and increasing demand for quality care.  

This assessment will require you to develop an innovation portfolio which explores the concept of innovation in health and social care, and its potential to improve outcomes for patients, providers, and communities. 

The portfolio must include the following sections: 

Part 1: Innovation in Health and Social Care  

Critically examine innovation in the health and social care sector, evaluating the drivers and barriers for innovation  and enterprise for the enhancement of health and social care service delivery.  
Part 2: Innovation of a Health and Social Care Service

Propose and justify appropriate decisions and strategies for the implementation of an innovation in a health and  social care organisation through the application of innovation theories and process models. To do this you are to  propose an innovation in a health and social care organisation using ONE of the case studies in Section D. 
Part 3: Self Reflection of your role as an Innovator

Critically reflect on your learning on the module and experience of innovation in health and social care. Using a  reflective model, analyse your role in bringing innovation to your current/future work environment.  
Part 4: Future of Innovation in Health and Social Care 

Examine the future directions for innovation in the health and social care sector and provide recommendations for healthcare providers and policy makers to promote innovation to improve outcomes for patients and service users, providers, and communities.  
Word count guidance in the assessment task is an approximate split of words for each section.

Specific Criteria, Guidance & Support

Case Study 1: Africa Healthcare Network

Africa Healthcare Network (AHN) founded in 2015, is a private healthcare provider committed to bringing
sustainable change to those affected by kidney disease in Africa. The Network brings world-class technical
expertise combined with developing world practical operating experience to the Region that in dire need of quality
dialysis treatment. AHN has grown to over 45+ centres across East Africa, as the largest provider of dialysis and
preventative care, employing 500 people and is currently the fastest-growing healthcare services company across
Africa, with plans to expand to 100+ centres by 2025, becoming the leading platform across Africa.
Company Website: https://www.africahealthcarenetwork.com/

Case Study 2: Crisis Text Line

Crisis Text Line founded in 2013 is a global not-for-profit organisation providing free mental health texting service
through confidential crisis intervention via SMS message. The organisation's services are available 24 hours a day,
every day, throughout the United States, Canada, UK, Ireland, and planning expansion in other countries including
Latin America. Crisis Text Line primarily focuses on mental health crisis intervention through text messaging.
People can text the helpline when they are experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression,
or any other crisis and a crisis counsellor will respond.
Company Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Case Study 3: Aravind Eye Hospitals

Aravind Eye Hospitals founded in 1976 is a hospital chain in India. It has grown into a network of eye hospitals and
has had a major impact in eradicating cataract-related blindness in India. Aravind Eye Care System offers a wide
range of eye care services, including cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, corneal transplants, paediatric
ophthalmology, and low-vision rehabilitation. They have developed a unique and highly efficient system to serve
large numbers of patients, both in rural and urban areas. Aravind Eye Care System also designs and offers training
and consultancy services to different cadres of eye care personnel from around the world, in the development and
implementation of efficient and sustainable eye care programmes.

Company Website: https://aravind.org/

Case Study 4: Community Dental Services CIC

Community Dental Services (CDS) founded in 2011 is a social enterprise based in the United Kingdom that focuses
on providing community-based dental care services. CDS are a referral-only dental service, bringing dental care to
people who cannot be treated in general dental practice; patients referred to CDS typically have learning
disabilities, mental health issues or severe anxiety. They may be in situations or locations that traditional dental

services cannot reach such as homelessness centres or secure settings. CDS provide dental services primarily inthe 
East of England and the Midlands through 58 centres.
Company Website: https://www.communitydentalservices.co.uk/

Learning Outcomes

This assignment will show that you are able to:

•  Critically analyse the theories and processes of innovation in the context of health and social care
  management.
•  Critically evaluate the opportunities and challenges for innovation and enterprise for the enhancement of
  health and social care service delivery.
•  Propose and justify appropriate decisions and strategies for the effective implementation of innovation,
  considering the role of relevant stakeholders and service users.
•  Critically appraise the importance of social impact in the development and implementation of innovation in
  health and social care.