Meet the innovator: Karina Malhotra, Acumentice

Karina Malhotra (pictured on the right) is the Founder and Managing Director of Acumentice – a healthcare improvement consultancy. Karina’s background is in the NHS, with operational leadership roles in NHS Trusts across London. Her product, Evolve Learning, provides targeted learning and development for staff in the NHS. It’s delivered on an e-learning platform, in engaging video based bitesize courses, to enable and support staff to be more effective future leaders. 

Tell us about the innovation. What does it do, how does it help, who does it help and why is it important?

There has long been a gap in the market for really targeted, bite-sized, interactive and engaging learning and development for NHS managers (clinical and non-clinical) – especially those just starting out. This is having a direct impact on productivity in the NHS as the areas and teams these staff manage can be significant. I know from personal experience from the start of my career as a service manager in a large London teaching hospital that it isn’t easy to access the training that is needed, you learn from watching others and trial and error in the main – which is not the most effective or productive approach possible.

The last staff survey also revealed that 40% of staff said they are unable to access the right learning and development opportunities especially to advance their careers. Unsurprisingly, as a result, there is a stark downward trend in motivation whilst (at the same time) a rising trend in staff turnover. All this has a real impact on overall staff well-being which is estimated to cost the NHS in the region of £12bn of which over approximately £200mn is associated with management.

Our main goal at Evolve is to provide content which is bespoke and created in collaboration with NHS frontline professionals to answer this real need. Our courses are high quality video based and CPD accredited so learners gain real life applicable knowledge whilst joining a collaborative community and gaining CPD points.

Which health innovation networks have you been supported by?

I was selected to be part of the Leap Programme with the Health Innovation Network in South London in February 2024. Even in my early interactions, I have seen the benefits of meeting with like-minded people in the digital healthcare space with a passion to make a difference. It’s been great to share ideas, learn from my peers and tap into the wealth of knowledge the people behind the programme itself and its advisory panel bring.

I would also like to give a special mention to the excellent mentor I have been paired with who is so inspiring and has already helped me in many practical terms. I have also had a chance to exhibit our product at the recent NHS Confed conference which was a great experience and really validated our value proposition.

Overall, I am really enjoying being part of the Health Innovation Network and learning about the solutions that are being created to take the NHS to the next stage of its development. I am always learning and evolving as a founder, and it’s great to be part of a programme that is so open, inclusive and supportive.

What are the plans/next steps for this innovation?

We are currently piloting our training with an NHS Trust in West of England and looking to launch another in London imminently. We are keen to get real world feedback from our target users to improve the user interface and experience of our learning platform. We value providing a highly engaging learning experience to ensure that the users are getting the best version of the content they need.

In addition, we are talking to academic institutions to partner with in order to enhance the content through co creation in order to incorporate cutting-edge research and methodologies into the courses.

What’s your biggest piece of learning from innovating in the NHS?

My biggest lesson from innovating in the NHS is that a great idea alone isn’t enough. It must be tested in real-world settings and backed by solid evidence of value and impact. This involves rigorous pilot testing, gathering robust data, engaging stakeholders, iterating on feedback, and demonstrating clear benefits such as improved patient outcomes and increased efficiency. Only through this process can an innovation gain the necessary traction, trust, and support to be truly transformative for healthcare staff and patients.

What are your hopes for the future?

We want to ensure dynamic, bespoke, bite-sized e-learning is easily available to all NHS staff– who need it to deliver their best and advance their careers. We want to grow evolve learning sustainably – not running before we can walk – with the ultimate goal of creating a healthier NHS for all. If staff are happier and more confident in what they are doing, and feel they have access to the tools for personal and professional development, it stands to reason they will be more productive – which is a big issue in the NHS at the moment. To improve productivity, staff wellbeing is a major factor – and training plays a big part in this. It shouldn’t be neglected or feel like an after-thought, but rather prioritised and encouraged. If Evolve can enable saving even a quarter of the £200mn estimated to be lost due to poor staff well-being, we can help pay for c1400 more nurses or c4000 additional operations whilst improving the lives and careers of NHS staff themselves.

What’s the best part of your job?

Working with people in my team who are just as passionate about improving the NHS in creative and innovative ways and then seeing the positive impact of our ideas on service delivery. That can be really addictive!

What are your three pieces of advice for budding health innovators?

1. Take the leap

Innovation requires courage especially courage of your convictions. Embrace challenges and uncertainties as opportunities for growth. Push boundaries and commit to driving meaningful change.

2. Speak the NHS Language

Understand and communicate effectively with the NHS. Immerse yourself in the real-world setting and learn every detail so you can communicate your value proposition effectively.

3. Secure Champions with Evidence

Find influential supporters and gather robust data to back your innovation. Demonstrate clear benefits like improved patient outcomes and cost savings to gain trust and support.