In this article, it was interesting to read a different point of view on how mindsets can vary in healthcare with a mental illness rather than physical. The article looks at how a design thinking approach could be able to change how people think about schizophrenia treatment and how IDEO's thinking process could be useful.
One thing that stood out to the researcher watching the interview was that “She didn’t use clinical terms during the interview and she connected so well with the patient, putting him at ease and getting him to open up and express himself.” This made the researcher realise that **“**the providers in the clinical system itself are part of the problem because I was not seeing my patient as a person first. This was tough for me to admit to myself.” Something we can take from this as a designer is to remember that we are creating this for the user/patient who is also a person like us.
In the article, there are three mindset changes mentioned that are currently moving healthcare toward a more human-centered direction.
1. Changes to Value-based Care
Healthcare is moving into communities after being locked within the walls of hospitals for so long, along with this the role of providers is shifting. There are issues coming to light that affect our health just as much as physical problems such as loneliness. It is key whenever we are creating products for outside of the hospital walls we look at what people will truly value in the community, whether that be access to healthier food plans, and measure the impact products have in the neighbourhood.
2. Changing from Being Reactive to Proactive
In present times, it is more common for people to get DNA tests and other tests to pick up genetic irregularities that can lead to a variety of illnesses, with this information it allows people to prepare for this and take action against it. People are keen to know their bodies and their health before anything is wrong with them. We’re seeing a change from healthcare problems to consumer products that can help us better understand who we are and come to a solution before there is a problem, and if there is no solution - make choices which will prepare for the future.
3. Balance High Regulation with Experimentation
More and more, there is the ability to experiment and use informed consent to prototype tools which aren't yet ready for full release. Users often find tools being blocked by privacy or security controls, we as designers should understand that people need to be fully informed of decisions they make in regard to technology, how it may affect the tools offered by a product and give them a choice to opt into tools. Users should have the option to maintain their privacy and security but have an understanding of how it may affect tools offered.