Innovating in paediatric healthcare requires more than technological advancements; it demands meaningful collaboration with children and young people (CYP) and their families. This practice-focused paper demonstrates how co-creation can be embedded within paediatric medical device development by applying a rights-based approach to guide and inform the involvement activities. Drawing on three illustrative case studies from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) HealthTech Research Centre in Paediatrics and Child Health (HRC-PCH), we show how CYP and their families contributed at various stages of innovation, from early concept development to prototype refinement. Each case is examined using Lundy’s Model of Participation and the 3Ps framework (Provision, Protection, and Participation), allowing us to identify practical enablers and barriers to inclusive, ethical, and rights-based involvement. The cases highlight how co-creation can enhance the relevance, usability, and acceptability of paediatric medical technologies while fostering trust, equity, and empowerment among participants. We conclude by outlining actionable, practice-based recommendations for embedding CYP and family involvement within the culture, governance, and day-to-day processes of paediatric innovation. This offers a practical roadmap for teams engaged in research, healthcare, and industry.
Preston et al. (Mon,) studied this question.