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BMJ Future Health

Year-round webinars and podcasts
Live event: 19 - 20 November 2024 | Kings Place, London

Cogs with Problem, people etc

Bridging the gap between problems and solutions

We believe the best advances in health come from a true understanding of the challenges faced by patients, health professionals and the wider system at the point of need - or preferably before. We frequently see great solutions to problems that don’t really exist.

So rather than calling for abstracts that describe innovations or solutions - we’re instead issuing a call for problems. Clearly articulating what needs to be fixed or improved to people who might be able to help is an important first step in transforming health. 

These problems will be assessed by our expert panel and the individual or team presenting them will be invited to present their problem, and get further expert input at a workshop at BMJ Future Health in November. 

Submit your problem

To do calendar and coffee cup

How to submit your problem

Listen to our webinar led by product expert Randeep Sidhu. Read more about this webinar where you can learn about problems. 

What is your summary problem statement? (max 30 words)

What is the problem? (max 300 words) 

  • What is happening now?
  • How do you know a problem exists?
  • What can you observe that is happening now?
  • What can you see in the data?
  • How big (or widespread) is the problem?

What would happen if the problem is solved? (max 300 words) 

  • What is happening because of the problem you've described above?
  • What does the data tell you?
  • What metrics would you use to measure if the problem is solved?

Background and context (max 300 words)

  • What is the context?
  • Who are the users?
  • Has anyone tried to fix this before?

The best problems will be assessed by our expert panel and the individual or team presenting them will be invited to present their problem, and get further expert input at a workshop at BMJ Future Health in November.

You will be contacted by early September with further instructions if your problem has been selected to be showcased in our 'Problems Expo' during BMJ Future Health event on 19 - 20 November. 

Submit your problem

Our programme advisory committee is essential in both highlighting and selecting the most pressing problems. Helping us shape the event to suit your needs.