Nursing Citizen Development: A New Era of Nurse-Led Innovation

Editor's Note

Welcome to the first edition of Nursing Citizen Development

I’m Lincoln Gombedza a Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse, Practice Educator, and proud advocate for digital innovation within healthcare. As a nurse leader and citizen developer, I have seen the transformative potential of digital tools when they are designed by those who understand frontline care best nurses.

The term “citizen development” was popularised by Microsoft and refers to individuals without formal software development training who create applications using low-code or no-code platforms. These tools like Microsoft Power Apps enable users to build tailored digital solutions to solve real problems, streamline workflows, and improve outcomes, all without needing to write complex code.

This newsletter launches a new platform dedicated to Nursing Citizen Development: a growing movement that places nurses at the heart of digital change. Our mission is to equip nurses with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become creators of technology, not just users of it. By embracing low-code platforms, AI technologies, and inclusive design principles, we can build digital innovations that are clinically relevant and ethically sound.

In each edition, we’ll share success stories from the NHS and beyond, introduce practical tools and tutorials, and unpack the latest developments in AI from a nursing perspective. Our focus will always remain grounded in what matters most: equity, inclusion, safety, and better care for the people we serve.

Whether you're a digital pioneer or just beginning to explore what's possible, there's a place for you in this community.

Together, let’s reimagine healthcare👉🏿designed by nurses, for everyone.

Warm regards,

Lincoln Gombedza
Co-Founder, Nursing Citizen Development