In the evolving landscape of healthcare, hearing the experiences from both those who use and those who prescribe our products provides invaluable insight, and inspires innovation. The process of co-creation—bringing together patients, their families, and healthcare providers—ensures that new solutions are not only effective but also practical and user-friendly.
A co-creation day we hosted exemplified the value of this collaborative approach, focusing on developing a game to support children who irrigate. Held last spring, the workshop gathered input from children who use Qufora products, and their parents who are closely involved with their care and their irrigation regimes. We asked for their input on developing a game, exploring their preferences for the game’s universe, characters, levels, and reward systems. It also sought to understand their motivations, identify potential taboos, and determine the language they felt most comfortable with. Their feedback proved to be invaluable, and helped shape the final version of the game, Bowel Buddies, which is now available to download in the Google play and Apple app store.
The game was developed in partnership with children aged 7–12 who irrigate, with contributions from their parents, and Andrea Jordan (Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist: Paediatric Surgery), and Georgina Malakounides (Consultant Paediatric Surgeon), Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. The children’s perspectives were the driving force behind the development, ensuring the final product is playful, relatable, and motivational.
By externalising the treatment through engaging game mechanics, the Qufora Bowel Buddies Kidz game helps children connect with their bowel management routine in a child-centric way. Whether played before, during, or after irrigation, the game supports both the child and their family by reinforcing the importance of regular irrigation in a friendly, non-intimidating manner. It also serves as an extension of clinical teaching, helping to break down the stigma surrounding bowel issues.
This co-creation process is a model fosters trust, enhances usability, and can lead to better health outcomes. By listening to and collaborating with those directly affected by medical conditions and treatments, we can develop innovations that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As we continue to refine our products, we remain committed to engaging with patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure every solution is not just clinically effective but also compassionate and user-centred.
We are incredibly thankful to these families, Andrea and Georgina, for sharing so openly and graciously their experiences and expertise to help and support other children who are beginning their irrigation treatments.
