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Collaborative project work
Strengthening project work
Introduction
Collaborative project work is where transformative digital health partnerships turn vision into tangible outcomes. The way these projects are designed, implemented, and adapted directly shapes not only the results achieved but also the depth and longevity of the partnership itself. Thoughtful, well-structured project work is essential to move from ideas to impactful, scalable solutions that strengthen collaboration over time.
What does it mean?
In transformative digital health partnerships, project work encompasses how initiatives are planned, executed, and managed, from early co-design and piloting to large-scale roll-out and continuous improvement. It involves setting clear, realistic timelines; embedding meaningful user engagement; integrating with existing systems; and maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing needs and contexts. Effective project work balances technical excellence with the relational dynamics needed to sustain trust, creativity, and joint problem-solving.
Why does it matter?
Many digital health projects begin as short-term pilots, which allow for rapid experimentation but can unintentionally limit deeper relationship-building and system integration. Without careful design and collaborative management, projects risk becoming one-off, transactional activities rather than transformative efforts that deliver systemic change and strengthen long-term partnerships. Intentional project work ensures that technical success and collaborative value creation reinforce each other.
How to strengthen project work: Key lessons learned
1
Recognize the limits of short-term pilots
Pilot projects often run on compressed timelines, which can rush implementation and limit opportunities for trust-building or meaningful co-creation. From the outset, design pathways for long-term collaboration and scaling to avoid pilots becoming dead ends.
2
Embed the target group in co-design
Involve patients, health workers, and community members early and throughout the process. Their lived experience shapes more relevant, usable, and sustainable solutions while increasing adoption and legitimacy.
Ensure transparent communication and joint monitoring
3
Establish regular, open communication channels and shared monitoring frameworks so all partners can track progress, address issues early, and stay aligned on goals and responsibilities.
Integrate with existing systems and workflows
4
Design solutions to align with local health infrastructure, clinical processes, and data systems to reduce duplication, ensure interoperability, and facilitate smoother adoption within complex ecosystems.
More information
DCCC network
- Join or contact the DCCC Project Funnel Working Group for shaping a venture approach and supporting framework for project initiation and project pipeline management.
Readings
- A publication discussing strategies for successful health collaborations published by Stanford Social Innovation Review: Leadership Strategies for Multistakeholder Health and Health-Care Collaboratives
Join us on our mission for Universal Health Coverage
We are continually looking to onboard new members who are willing to commit to our mission, provide operational resources and co-create. As a multi-stakeholder coalition, we are looking to bring in a variety of voices, sectors and actors involved in the digital transformation of healthcare.
