Diathermy Machine Warning Labels

Diathermy refers to the production of heat in body tissues by electric currents, for therapeutic purposes. In Auckland City Hospital bipolar diathermy machines presented unclear information as to the correct port for each diathermy lead, creating confusion and potential safety concerns for both staff and patients. Subsequently there was a need to procure and commence use of a safer fixed end bipolar lead and explore preventative measures to reduce confusion and improve safety.

A graphic study was conducted with the aim to produce a small run of short-term preventative warning labels to be implemented on the machines causing safety issues.

APAC Conference

As part of the Asia-Pacific Premier Healthcare Conference (APAC), the Auckland DHB hosted a pre-conference intensive. The DHW lab ran an open home for conference attendees to see an example of  forward thinking intiatives to improve the patient experience.

The Lab also put together a publication that was characterised by a more subtle and minimal style of communication design. Discussing complex and information-heavy subject matter, it was paired with clean typography and simple infographics, disrupted with textured black and white imagery. Focusing on interaction with the publication rather than passive reading, the 3 core sections leave room for note taking. The back cover folds out to postcards and a thank you note tucked away, with writing, folding, and sending instructions on each. 

Product designer Josh Munn presented at the event with Principal Pharmacist Rob Ticehurst on the use of 3D printing in the clinical context. A medical conference is perhaps an unorthodox place for a product designer, but its exciting to see such tangible example of clinicians and designers working collaboratively. There was genuine interest in both the exhibited project, the role of the design lab in Auckland hospital and how the venture could be replicated in different hospitals across Australasia. 

The Hidden Hospital

Congratulations to Tim Denison from the Auckland DHB Performance Improvement Team who won top prize at the APAC awards last night. The lab designed a live sketch note animation for Tim, summarising the work of so many individuals over the last five years to effectively add 100 beds to the hospital, or 10% additional bed capacity, without actually adding more beds...

Take a look at the story here.

HELIX centre

The DHW lab is not alone in its aspirations to embed good design in the experience of the hospital.  We have friends with a similar vision at the HELIX centre, London.

HELIX is short for Healthcare Innovation Exchange. It’s an exploration into how design can transform health when it’s placed on the front line of the medical world – an acute general hospital in Europe’s busiest city.

Earlier this year, DHW lab co-director Stephen Reay visited the Helix centre and shared our learning around how design can improve healthcare experiences. Although we are at opposite ends of the planet, we are looking forward to growing together and sharing knowledge!

Be sure to check out their venture, especially their upcoming open day at the London Design Festival 2015.

Radio New Zealand

Listen here to a recent story on Radio New Zealand about the DHW lab.

'Auckland City Hospital is New Zealand’s largest public medical facility, with nearly 11,000 staff employed to provide health and medical services.

In any given week, 60,000 patients, staff and visitors come through the hospital’s main entrance on Park Road in Grafton.

And while everything’s as you’d expect it to be in a hospital environment - clean floors and the smell of disinfectant - tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Level Five is a large room that looks like it’s only been half completed.

Welcome to Design For Health and Wellbeing Lab, a New Zealand first.

A collaboration between Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the Lab was set up to develop products, systems, and experiences aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of all hospital users.

It’s the brain child of Dr Stephen Reay, Senior Lecturer of Industrial Design and Innovation at AUT.

He teamed up with Justin Kennedy-Good, ADHB’s Performance Improvement Programme Director and together they have set about making the lab a reality.

The idea originally was only to stay for a few weeks.  However, roll forward 12 months and the lab has settled in nicely.'

...

Walking You Through The Hospital

We are trialling a playful way finding method in the confusing entrance area from car park B. Today we installed our first set of environmental graphics to help patients and families make sense of the routes to the emergency department, Starship Childrens' Hospital and main reception.