Maybe your hospital EHR meets every technical and clinical best practice out there. But could smart design help you support patients, too?
The video, created by the UK’s Royal College of Art, suggest that much can be done to support the patient and their family more effectively, through elegant design that integrates patients with clinical education and data.
Here’s one intriguing example of the ideas presented in the video, “Design for Patient Dignity,”:
Every patient gets a disposable paper-based table mat that is printed with the information that they want most. There is space for hospital staff to personalise the information by writing on the mat, for example adding the name of the ward and nursing staff — or details about the particular day, such as meal times and visiting hours.
The same principle could be used to provide information to patients using other communication methods, including websites, mobile phones or electronic information systems in the hospital.
I’m intrigued by the notion that artistically and even aesthetically-pleasing designs can actually meet IT, clinical and patient needs. I’m eager to hear what you think, though. Is this a practical approach, or more of an academic exercise?