- Record of patients with similar or
identical illness, and how it was overcome - Infotainment system for reading
or surfing so as not to disturb other patients - ‘Search’ function for when a doctor
or nurse is not available - Easy access to information
for both doctors and nurse - Digital log of visitors not allowed
in the patient ward
A swift recovery while in hospital can be influenced not only by procedures but also by the smiling staff, understanding doctors and a calm and effective administration. In developing countries, there have been advancements in the development of medical equipment, communication technology and information systems which make the job easier for hospital staff and the patient stay more comfortable.
The nurse to patient ratio in India is 1:37 which is quite low considering the average ratio of 1:4 in developing nations. Add to it irregular doctor schedules, sporadic visiting relatives and lack of communication with doctors, nurse and staff makes the stay of the patients more anxious and difficult than it should be. This lack of communication systems inside a hospital has not gone unnoticed. The government is looking at investing in enhanced eHealthcare legislation and provide benefits to patients under the Digital India initiative. Some hospitals in India have Hospital Information Systems(HIS), which is an engineered solution more focused on system analyzing rather than the end users. Around 85% of the hospitals are not satisfied with HIS or think they under–utilize it. There has been very little attempt at providing solutions with a system design approach focused on personnel; a solution which understands the regional needs and people and still follow global standards of quality and healthcare compliance.
(WHO statistics, CRISIL research, 2013)
Frustrated and worried patients, doctors and nurses who work hard despite the difficulties in communicating vital medical information to the appropriate person, and hospital managers who invest in high–tech equipment but fail on their returns… these three major groups are the focus of our multi–facet solution for the hospital environment: the Samsung IPD(In–Patient Department) Service Design solution.
In–Patient Solution is a successful collaboration with the Samsung India design office (Samsung Design Delhi) and Samsung Research Institute, Noida (SRI–N). The solution was pilot tested at the Global Hospital in Mumbai, India and is set for implementation as a viable B2B service solution. The solution is receiving positive feedback not only as a return on profit model from hospital administration but from patients and staff who participated in the pilot test.
Technology ceases to become ordinary when it goes beyond utilitarian functions and bring positivity to human lives. This is extremely relevant in healthcare. Where the end result is not just a commercial transaction but an influence on the life, indeed well–being of a person. Developing nations cannot realistically increase the number of trained professionals such as doctors and nurses to meet patient demands. The logical step then, is to provide a technological solution. Here design plays a crucial role in this dialogue to make sure that technology goes beyond precision and function but provides intuitive solutions and possibilities. Better medical service for the masses, and for the doctors and nurses to be efficient and satisfied with their work is the goal of the Samsung In–Patient Solution. To achieve that goal Samsung Electronics is listening to the patients, doctors and nurses of the world to better their lives.
