Three Approaches to Design Engineering in the Health Domain

Abstract

This paper proposes a categorization of existing approaches to healthcare-related engineering design based on systems thinking principles. Three existing approaches to healthcare-related engineering design are isolated which contribute differently to health systems fundamental purposes and interconnections. The three approaches are labeled as 'silent', 'overt', and 'convergent' health design. Each approach is defined and illustrated through an example. Following, practical advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed. A reflection is offered on the expected relevance of the convergent health design approach for present and future societal challenges in the health domain, and specifically on the recently growing field of e-health. Finally, open methodological challenges related to convergent health design are outlined and characterized as opportunities for future research.