Synopsis:

We are all problem solvers. We are accustomed to applying the scientific method and quality improvement models to deliver better care. Design thinking is an approach to solving problems that emphasizes a human-centred and iterative process to create innovative solutions. Six years ago, we invited design students into the PICU to see if we could find better ways of teaching congenital heart disease. This is the story of that journey.

Speakers:

Dr Charles Larson is a paediatric intensive care specialist at The Royal Children’s Hospital, specialising in cardiac intensive care. He recently moved from Canada, where he ran the University of Alberta’s training program in paediatric critical care. Charles also established a lab focusing on improving learning through the use of three-dimensional visualisation techniques such as 3D printing and virtual reality. He is interested in opportunities for better design within our hospital environment.

Cindy Chen is an industrial designer in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta. Her passion is model-making and transforming 2D elements into 3D. Cindy hopes to help others who are less familiar with cardiology through 3D visualisation. Her motivation comes from seeing everybody’s amazement when holding a realistic 3D heart model.

Nicole Pernal is a design team member in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta. She specialises in Visual Communication Design and aims to improve the experiences of learners, educators, patients, and clinicians through multidisciplinary design. Nicole takes a user-centred and problem-solving approach to her work to achieve longevity and meaningful designs.