Mayar Morsy

Design for Healthcare MSc

Reimagining Dundee Dental Research Hospital and School: A Service Improvement project through Systems Thinking

About

Dundee Dental Research Hospital and School is a centre of excellence for its combination of a positive work culture, investment into education, and aim to offer the best patient experience. The Hospital wants to improve their overall service with both the patients and staff through developing their communication channels and its atmosphere.

Participation in staff workshops and feedback sessions provided insights on staff needs, feelings, and opinions which provided keywords for the hospital’s desired atmosphere. Visits to the hospital revealed the challenges with the signage systems in terms of design and layout and brought attention to the impact of visual clutter on patients’ ability to navigate the building. Online questionnaires and direct interviews with patients and staff revealed other touchpoints to be addressed for a wholistic design approach. 

Stakeholders’ communication needs are covered in multiple touchpoints. The layout of the patient’s appointment letter and signage system are redesigned to enhance verbal and visual communication. Feedback cards allow patients to participate in future service improvement and encourage good practice among staff. Finally, wall murals are designed to honour history, appreciate the people, and reflect a positive atmosphere to visitors.

Title slide of project with photograph lookup up the dental hospital tower, with a new sign superimposed
Appointment letter from NHS Tayside with clear panels and QR code to try and improve legibility and usability compared to old letter
Second page of redesigned appointment letter
Wayfinding sign for main reception with icons and colour coding
Entrance doors to Level 3 of the dental tower with superimposed new signage
Mockup of wayfinding floor vinyl along corridor with large bold signage at junction
Business cards asking for feedback with a QR code on them
Mockup of certificate with Dundee Uni and NHS Tayside logos

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