What is creativity?

Creativity results when curiosity, imagination and knowledge collide, generating ideas and making connections between what we know now and desired future outcomes. Some could argue that those with greater knowledge are the most creative; however, without curiosity, there is little creation. Clearly, both are needed to generate ideas, patterns and combinations that can lead to new and innovative products and services.

Innovation often starts with a question, a challenge or a series of events that prompt action. Innovation and creativity lead to change and, to enact change for the better, we need to analyse where we are now and evaluate where we would like to be.

With so many lives lost, livelihoods threatened and the economic situation, it is hard to find positive messages from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it could be argued that the situation with COVID-19 has accelerated change, and driven creativity and innovation in the health service at a pace unseen in recent times. It has compelled staff, at all levels, to challenge the old normal and find new standards that enable care for our patients in safe and accessible ways.