Knowledge Base Repository

In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.

Design thinking in data-intensive healthcare improvement: lessons from a perioperative case study

Stubbs, Daniel James (1,2); Bashford, Thomas Henry (1,3); Clarkson, Peter John (1)


Type:
Year:
2023
Editor:
Kevin Otto, Boris Eisenbart, Claudia Eckert, Benoit Eynard, Dieter Krause, Josef Oehmen, Nad
Author:
Series:
ICED
Institution:
1: University of Cambridge Department of Engineering, Health Systems Design Group; 2: University of Cambridge Department of Perioperative, Acute, Critical, and Emergency Care (PACE); 3: Department of Anaesthesia, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Section:
Design Methods
Page(s):
1337-1346
DOI number:
Abstract:
Healthcare generates vast quantities of 'routinely collected' data that is recognised as a valuable substrate to drive improvement. Realising this benefit however, requires the sequential distillation of new knowledge before analytical findings are used to inform real-world change. This dichotomy requires the combination of techniques from data science (to derive meaningful knowledge) and improvement (to deliver change). Recognising this transdisciplinary need and the complexity of modern healthcare, we developed an improvement project to incorporate a 'systems approach' into the analysis of pseudonymised perioperative data for the purpose of redesigning the systems that deliver surgical care to older patients. This required the development of novel mixed-methods workflows combining tools used to realise a systems approach in practice and to support meaningful analysis, and to translate these findings towards 'better' care systems. This paper recounts the incorporation of these tools into 'data-intensive improvement' and reflects on the relevance of design thinking to improve the conduct of the necessary data science to achieve our ultimate aim, using data to improve services for older surgical patients.
Keywords:

This site uses cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation and your ability to provide feedback, analyse your use of our products and services, assist with our promotional and marketing efforts, and provide content from third parties. Privacy Policy.