Healthcare is one of the most complex, fast-moving, and high-stakes sectors we have. New treatments, technologies, and services are being developed at pace, often with uncertainty and high pressure. Innovation in this space requires not only expertise but also adaptability. This is why agile is a great fit.
Agile originated in software, but at its heart it’s about how people work together to deliver value in uncertain and changing environments. Over the past decade, I’ve seen agile thrive in healthcare and well-being innovation because it addresses three core needs:
Agile does not replace clinical rigour or scientific research, instead, it complements them. It helps teams manage uncertainty, surface risks early, and stay aligned around what matters most.
I’ve been working with healthcare and well-being teams for over ten years, supporting their use of agile in developing new products, services, and models of care. From early-stage healthcare start-ups to NHS innovation programmes, the benefits are clear: agile creates the conditions for ideas to be tested, refined, and adopted with less waste and greater impact.
Agile is an approach for nurturing innovation, managing change and embedding continuous improvement.
I’ve been working with healthcare and well-being teams and organisations for over ten years, supporting their application of agile methods both directly and through funded programmes. My journey began with supporting technology innovation start ups, projects and product development and has led to its direct application in health and wellbeing treatment and its application at a strategic level and whole business agility.
Through my work as a business growth coach supporting tech start ups, eHealth was a key area of development, using technology to improve health and well-being. It started in Cornwall, where I worked with businesses supported by EU funding to launch new products and services through technology innovation.
I spent time in Wales, working with an health innovation network exploring agile approaches with founders and their teams including launching an app to speed up oncology communications, and another producing customised footwear for veterans to help with the impact of carrying heavy loads over rough terrain.
I continued my work with the EU Funded EPIC ehealth programmes delivered by Plymouth University, which supported partnerships between healthcare and technology professionals to validate, build, and launch new businesses and innovations. One of my favourites is Jam Up, an app developed by Rachel Malthouse, who together with her son, are helping children with autism complete daily tasks in a fun and engaging way. Working with a local developer and driven by user feedback, they created a brilliant app that continues to grow and improve. They still use their Agile Canvas to map out new ideas for features. With limited funds and time, adopting an agile approach was vital in getting their idea off the ground.
I’ve also worked with a wide variety of health and well-being businesses, including iCareiMove, who are dedicated to keeping people moving in Cornwall. They’ve since expanded their services and reach leading the way in menopause awareness and workplace support. Co-founder Helen Tite has embraced agile at a strategic level, operationally, and personally.
My work with Innovate UK has included working with a sensory start-up collaborating with a university to test and develop their first products, and a founder committed to improving the accessibility of health and beauty products, from ergonomics to packaging.
Alongside supporting founders, I’ve worked with funders and programme delivery teams helping them adopt agile to deliver their initiatives and maximise the impact of available funding.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Health Innovation West Midlands, who are driving incredible advancements in healthcare. Together we explored agile culture and mindset, and applied agile methods to managing healthcare innovation projects and programmes, improving network communications, and supporting collaboration across teams.
Agile has also shaped my own health and well-being. Following my journey with Long Covid, I used agile thinking to help me learn, adapt, and manage my condition. At one point, I was crippled by chronic fatigue and pain, and advised to give up my career and hobbies. With patience and iteration, I’ve come back to a balanced, active life and I’m back to competing in cross-country on my pony again. I often describe this period as losing both my physical and mental agility, and using agile to regain both.
This personal experience has deepened my insight into why agile is so essential in healthcare. As the pandemic highlighted, health challenges are increasingly complex, uncertain, and fast-evolving. Effective solutions need to be delivered quickly, safely, and continuously tested and improved.
I enjoy sharing this work through talks and workshops. Recently, I facilitated a continuous improvement workshop with Project Managers from the Cancer Alliance and joined Katherine George on her podcast Running in the Dark to share my story of running a business with Long Covid and how agile supported me through my recovery and it’s ongoing management.
My Agile Health Innovation programmes offer custom support for founder and small to medium size teams. A variety of teams and one to one coaching support, delivering agile courses and applied team workshops on a variety of themes including:
Leadership & Strategy, Business Model Development, Programme & Project Management, Product Development & Delivery, Launch & Scaling, Team Working, Marketing & Comms, Team Well-being and more.
I additionally have a suite of online courses available that can be accessed anytime. This summer over 100 small businesses have completed masterclasses in agile business development and project planning through my learning hub, including health and well-being specialists.
If you would like to explore how agile could support your work, and for details of courses and workshops please drop me an email belinda@beingagile.co.uk
Belinda
