Engineering better care

[johnsmith]

I have just come across this document called "Engineering better care a systems approach to health and care design and continuous improvement at

raeng.org.uk/publications/r...

It is produced by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

There are some nice approaches in it that may be applicable to people who are trying to get a better service from the NHS.

I like the quote on page 24 figure 2: "Figure 2: A system of systems — different perspectives on the human body The human body is a system of systems, comprising amongst others the circulatory, digestive, nervous, integumentary, muscular, skeletal and respiratory systems. Each has its own purpose and function and yet when combined, they produce for the body qualities not present in any of the individual elements."

It is better than any document that I have seen produced by the NHS marketing people to try and imply they are doing a wonderful job.

I hope some people will find it useful.

[Heloise]

Hello John, do you know anything about this? barralinstitute.com/therapies/

I listened to Dr. Wurn on a webcast and thought it might be something to look into when it seems there is no reason for pain. This type of therapy will impact fascia as well as ligaments which may be causing compensation in certain parts of the body. Breaking up adhesions, fascia and other growths internally may release restrictions that might be the source of the pain.

[johnsmith in reply to Heloise]

Thanks for the link.

[cyberbarn]

There are a lot of silos around, and one of the biggest seems to be between health care and the rest of the world. There are a lot of people in computing and engineering (there is a big cross over there) that are trying to make inroads into NHS improvement through the systems approach. One day we will get there!

[katieoxo60]

Thanks for link Johnsmith. I have been on a few research projects with the more technical departments to produce better gadget options, clothing, cars, buses as an input for older& disabled persons. Never thought of using engineering data to streamline a care system but it could be the way forward, some problems do occur due to the cost of ineffectual gadgets, the paperwork for obtaining help and as a study student commented insufficient human input. He can produce a draft for an object via the computer but that does not detect faults when in human use. Even materials & colours are important and it is cheaper to consider changes at development stage rather than having to redesign after production. We found a simple thing like ramped entrances on moving vehicles varied vastly and most had some fault to report. But it is an interesting theory but even engineering has its hicups.