INTEGRATING SYSTEMS AND DESIGN THINKING IN HEALTHCARE: A USER-CENTRED PERSPECTIVE

The design of healthcare systems has unintentionally contributed to a rise in medical errors, partly due to the integration of new technologies into outdated systems. By applying user-centred design, we can gain valuable insights from diverse perspectives, helping to develop and refine products and services that improve the healthcare process and enhance safety for all stakeholders. This paper explores the application of design thinking to analyse healthcare systems, with a specific focus on the pre-surgical process. It highlights three key design tools—ecosystem mapping, participatory workshops, and data visualizations—that were instrumental in identifying issues, proposing interventions, and communicating findings. User-centred design proves to be an effective approach for creating solutions that align with the needs of all users involved in the healthcare process.