Odd numbers have always stood out to me—especially the number 7, which holds surprising power in the world of microlearning. Aside from being the luckiest number, research suggests that seven is the ideal number of optimal minutes for retaining knowledge without overwhelming learners. It’s short enough to fit into a busy schedule, but long enough to deliver meaningful insights.
As I reflect on my experience at HLTH Europe in Amsterdam last month, I realize that the future of healthcare innovation is best understood in the same way—through seven sharp, focused takeaways that stick.
- Prevention is the new revolution – The shift from treatment to proactive care isn’t just a trend; it’s a total mindset overhaul. And sometimes we need to fight multiple systems to work together.
- Digital health needs cultural fluency – Tech alone won’t solve disparities. Localized, inclusive solutions are key. It all starts with the intent of listening to understand.
- Small teams, big impact – Some of the most compelling stories came from startups working lean but thinking big.
- Microlearning = macro-outcomes – Quick, flexible learning is increasingly seen as critical for keeping professionals at the forefront. It’s a timeless concept that still holds true.
- Care is co-created now – Patients, providers, and platforms are working in tandem, blurring traditional roles. Innovation moves things along quickly, but attention to detail is paramount.
- AI is here—but now what? – Many conversations touched on AI’s promise but also shared continued uncertainty about how to use it and train it responsibly, ethically, and effectively.
- Systemic gaps are learning opportunities – From mental health to cross-border continuity of care, there’s growing recognition that education—like microlearning—can bridge persistent healthcare silos and communication pits.
During our time at HLTH Europe we had dozens of energizing conversations at our booth at Club Startup and during our valuable 1:1 Market Connect meetings. We heard repeatedly how health innovators are hungry for new ways to close knowledge gaps, build system-wide capacity, and empower people — from clinicians to patients, and their workforces — with relevant learning that sticks.
This is where microlearning changes the playing field. Traditional training methods deliver lots of information all at once, like a firehose, with little to no repetition. By contrast, microlearning is based on the spacing effect principle which states that information is better retained when learning is spaced out over time rather than cramming it all at once. Because content is delivered gradually, and with repeated exposure, learning is optimized, and retention improves up to 80%.
Microlearning isn’t new, and it’s not a buzzword. It’s a proven approach that meets the speed, complexity, and flexibility today’s healthcare challenges demand. It’s here to stay.
If you made it to the end of this piece, you did it in about 3 minutes if you’re a quick reader and retainer—well under seven. Happy learning!
