Design for Health

Design for healthcare is one of the most complex areas of design, involving rigorous clinical testing, high risk and sometimes litigation, health and safety issues for professionals as well as patients, ethical dilemmas, and balancing technological advancement with sensitive caring. In Part 1 of Design for Healthcare the authors survey the history of health service buildings and equipment, and the developing roles of medical practitioners, supporting professionals and the health infrastructure. They evaluate key technologies in current practice, the growth of specialist producers, the impact of technology in the 20th century and key influences for the 21st century, such as the ageing population. The case studies in Part 2 include examples of improving internal communications, nurse-call systems, and ICT use in hospitals; conversion of advanced therapy technology into usable tools; and designing functional yet more appealing aids for disabled people and the elderly. Part 3 draws together guidelines for designers working in this sector that will facilitate: • working with clinicians and other healthcare professionals • involving patients in design and development • finding and using scientific knowledge, statistics and other ’market’ information • preparing for clinical trials and developing ethical approval processes • designing for international markets • protecting and managing intellectual property rights.