Duke Health Nurses Lead Healthcare Innovations from the Front Lines

Transforming Healthcare From the Ground Up

Nurses are often described as the backbone of the healthcare system, and at Duke Health, they are stepping into a pivotal role in innovation. Recently, the 2025 DUHS Nursing Innovation Summit showcased how these frontline warriors are collaborating to develop solutions aimed at reducing patient care harms in areas such as falls, pressure injuries, and infections. This summit exemplifies a growing trend where nursing professionals are not only providing care but are also actively involved in shaping the future of healthcare technology and practices.

Empowerment Through Innovation

During the summit, previous participant Hansel Bosarge inspired attendees with his personal story of innovation, discussing his development of an automated stomach fluid transfer device aimed at gastrointestinal (GI) complications. His journey emphasizes a vital point: healthcare innovations often stem from those who experience the realities of patient care daily. "Some of the most powerful innovations in health care come from people who live the reality of care every day," explained Terry McDonnell, Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President at Duke University Health System (DUHS). This insight reflects a broader recognition of the necessity for nurses to have not just a voice, but also the structured support to lead transformative initiatives.

Nurses Leading the Charge

Duke Health is not just nurturing this innovative spirit; it’s institutionalizing it. The summit represents a critical shift in the healthcare landscape, proposing that nurses should formally occupy leadership roles in the design and implementation of healthcare solutions. By fostering such environments, Duke Health is not only improving patient care but also elevating the profession of nursing itself.

Real-World Applications and Future Trends

As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the contributions of nurses in our current system are becoming more critical. Innovations emerging from events like the Nursing Innovation Summit could pave the way toward new standards in patient safety and care delivery. As these professionals continue to develop solutions that address real-world challenges, the potential for reducing avoidable complications grows exponentially.

Local Versus Global Perspectives on Nursing Innovation

This emerging trend at Duke Health represents a microcosmic view of a global phenomenon. Around the world, nursing professionals are stepping out of their traditional roles and into the realm of policy-making and innovation. The initiatives from DUHS could serve as a model for other healthcare systems, illustrating how empowering frontline staff leads to enhanced care quality and improved patient outcomes.

As we move into an era where healthcare is becoming ever more patient-centric, the spotlight on frontline innovators like the nurses at Duke Health reveals that the most significant changes in the sector hinge on leveraging the knowledge and experiences of those directly involved in patient care.

Conclusion

The Nursing Innovation Summit at Duke Health emphasizes the importance of nurses in shaping the healthcare narrative. Their innovative solutions are not just valuable; they are essential to the progression of patient care. As other healthcare organizations observe and adapt these models, it becomes increasingly clear that frontline care providers must be empowered to lead the charge in healthcare innovation.