Proving Your Healthtech Success with Clear Metrics

You cannot improve what you do not measure. That principle guided our recent work on defining key performance indicators for each dimension of the PSOS framework: Problem Fit, Solution Fit, Operational Fit and System Fit. In healthcare innovation, clarity around metrics can mean the difference between a pilot that stalls and a solution that scales.

Below, we share what made our KPI framework effective, why it resonated with healthtech teams and how these lessons will shape our approach going forward. The example is anonymous.

A Logical Narrative for Complex Ideas

Effective measurement frameworks follow a clear, step‑by‑step progression. We structured our KPI guidance into six distinct sections:

1. Why Metrics Matter

   When stakeholders see concrete numbers rather than anecdotes, they gain confidence in your proposal.

2. The Risks of Operating Without Metrics

   Without defined goals, pilots lose momentum, decision‑makers remain unconvinced and funding dries up.

3. Mapping PSOS to KPIs

   We aligned one example KPI to each PSOS dimension. This visual anchor helped innovators grasp how the framework applies in real settings.

4. A Ready‑to‑Use Dashboard Template

   A simple, copy‑and‑paste template showed how to list goals, timeframes, data sources and owners. This made the framework instantly actionable.

5. Avoiding Vanity Metrics

   We emphasised measuring outcomes that matter in healthcare: time saved, error reduction, cost impact: rather than superficial figures like download counts.

6. A Low‑Friction Next Step

   Encouraging teams to save the template and request a workshop invitation led to meaningful one‑on‑one conversations, rather than generic sign‑ups.

By guiding readers through each step, we turned a complex topic into a straightforward process.

The Power of Clean Design

A cluttered layout distracts from your message. We applied three design principles to keep our guidance sharp and accessible:

• Consistent Iconography

  Each PSOS dimension had a distinct symbol: puzzle piece for Problem Fit, bar chart for Solution Fit, brain for Operational Fit and building outline for System Fit. These icons helped viewers orient themselves immediately.

• Branded Colour Palette:

  We used navy and teal accents on white backgrounds. The result felt professional, modern and easy to read on any device.

• Readable Typography:

  Generous spacing and clear sans‑serif fonts ensured that every KPI example was legible at a glance.

Good design does more than look pretty. It reduces cognitive load, reinforces key messages and increases the likelihood that busy professionals will absorb and apply the content.

Delivering Immediate Practical Value

Healthtech innovators crave tools they can use right away. To meet that need, our guidance included:

• Specific KPI ExamplesRather than abstract goals, we suggested targets such as “25% reduction in discharge processing time” and “30 minutes saved per patient transfer.”

• Assigned OwnershipEach metric card named a hypothetical owner—strategy lead, product manager or implementation lead—clarifying accountability.

• Definite Timeframes and Data SourcesSpecifying deadlines and data origins made the template feel ready to implement. Teams could adapt and populate the dashboard without further clarification.

When your content delivers a straightforward path to action, you elevate your role from thought leader to practical partner.

Crafting a Meaningful Call to Action

Our final recommendation was simple:

Save the dashboard template and reach out for a personalised KPI workshop.

This low‑commitment request sparked a surge of one‑on‑one conversations. Innovators who were already motivated to improve their measurement approach were eager to continue the dialogue. The key insight? Align your next step with the immediate needs of your audience.

Lessons to Guide Future Work

Based on feedback and engagement, here are four principles we will carry forward:

1. Tell Stories in Clear StepsBreak complex frameworks into bite‑sized sections. A logical progression keeps readers engaged.

2. Design for ClarityMinimalist visuals, consistent iconography and thoughtful use of brand colours reinforce your message and improve comprehension.

3. Offer Tools, Not Just TheoryTemplates, checklists and dashboards invite immediate application. Practical resources build trust and encourage ongoing collaboration.

4. Match Calls to Action with Audience NeedsLow‑friction requests—such as saving a template or requesting a brief workshop—drive deeper engagement without overwhelming busy professionals.