There is an urgent need for design in healthcare now because of three developments that are combining to create a perfect storm of change, according to an article on the Information Week website.
The changes include payment reform, healthcare going digital and affordable high throughput sequencing.
"Each of these impending changes represents fundamental change to existing processes, systems, and structures. Success in transforming these systems will be dictated by good or bad design — regardless of whether designers are involved (they are usually not) or even if it's recognized that "design" is actually what is taking place (it usually isn't)," the article said.
Design principles should be employed in order to improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of healthcare systems. From there, there are a number of design tools and frameworks available.
How Efficiency Checklists Help Hospitals Save Energy, Water and Money
Designing with Heart: Seen Health Center Blends Cultural Warmth and Clinical Care
Rutgers Health and University Hospital Breaks Ground on Campus Expansion
What to Consider When Modernizing Healthcare Facilities
Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital to Build New Tower