Why NHS Child Healthcare Software Must Be Designed for Users

Creating systems collaboratively for meaningful advancement.

In our ongoing conversations, we've explored the frustrations of outdated systems, the burden of admin, and the absolute necessity of child-centred care.

A recent analysis, by The Health Foundation “Tech to Save Time: How the NHS Can Realise the Benefits,” highlights a critical issue we see time and time again: simply procuring technology doesn’t guarantee better efficiency or improved care.

Drawing from 467 studies, the research reveals a sobering truth, technology’s impact on staff time is mixed. Aside from barcode scanning for drugs, every other system studied has instances where it fails to deliver time savings. The key challenges? Poor workflow integration, usability issues and lack of staff buy-in.

This reinforces something we strongly believe at Cinnamon Digital Applications: the success of healthcare technology isn’t just about having the right tools, it’s about how those tools are designed, implemented, and optimised for the people using them.

We didn’t start with a blueprint. We started by listening. NHS professionals told us about the endless admin, inefficient systems, and the need for tools that genuinely support their work. By understanding real-world needs, we design solutions that fit seamlessly into daily workflows, without adding complexity. We don’t stop at launch; we continuously refine and adapt our software based on feedback, ensuring it remains intuitive, effective, and aligned with the evolving needs of child healthcare services.

But there’s another group often overlooked in software design: children and their families. While clinical teams are the primary users, the experience of parents and children matters too. Whether it’s ensuring smoother communication, reducing unnecessary stress, or making interactions with healthcare systems more accessible, technology must work for everyone involved.

The research calls for designing new technologies in collaboration with both staff and patients, a powerful reminder that the impact of digital tools goes beyond efficiency. Thoughtful implementation shapes meaningful connections and leads to better outcomes for children’s health.

The Health Foundation's findings present a clear call for change within healthcare technology. It’s clear that technology alone isn’t the solution. Real progress comes from co-designing with the people who use these systems every day. At Cinnamon Digital Applications, we are committed to leading this change , and we invite you to join us. We believe that by sharing insights, collaborating on solutions, and advocating for children we can create software that really does make a difference.

We'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts on how we can better incorporate patient perspectives in healthcare software design. Drop a comment below or get in touch, we look forward to speaking to you.