From ideation to practice: How pharmacists and students can leverage hackathons and innovation labs to accelerate innovation in pharmacy

Abstract

Objectives: To describe novel methods regarding innovation for pharmacists and student pharmacists to leverage local and national events, such as hackathons and innovation labs, that provide guidance and resources for developing novel products and solutions in health care.

Data sources: Not applicable.

Summary: The profession of pharmacy exists in a diverse and complex system where collaboration is essential for innovation and can leverage existing resources to accelerate this. Hackathons occur over one or more days and offer a venue and resources to support innovation as interprofessional teams develop and pitch new product ideas for potential investment. Innovation labs serve as more permanent locations that offer resources and expertise to help realize ideas and guide development into potentially viable solutions and products for health care.

Conclusion: Although currently hosted hackathons and design spaces may prove to be beneficial to pharmacists looking to innovate, they are frequently located in urban areas or large academic institutions that are not readily accessible to the larger pharmacy community. Fostering opportunities, whether as local hackathons or innovation labs, can potentially help to accelerate the innovation cycle for the pharmacy profession. These resources can be developed in local communities or through national pharmacy societies and organizations to increase access.