Healthtech

 (eHealth in Norway) has established itself as the most important meeting place for digitalisation of the healthcare sector in Norway. So, naturally, as ambitious designers and innovators in the health sector, EGGS and our colleagues in Sopra Steria participated.


This year, the conference was once again held at X Meeting Point at Hellerudsletta, where participants could immerse themselves in current topics, innovative solutions and strategies for strengthening the health service through digital development.

What is EHiN all about?

During the two-day conference there were discussions and presentations on large national projects as well as on small micro-topics. AI was (to no surprise) a hot topic and it was inspiring to see how it can be used in an everyday fashion for the health sector.

One of the pictures painted for the near future was this:
Imagine a doctor recording the audio from a session with his patient. AI will then transcribe this into text. Based on the recording and the commands the doctor chooses - AI can find relevant information to create accurate summaries, referrals or other documents. This will save the doctor time, make sure all details are captured, and at the same time reduce documents filled out wrong and with lacking information. The result: reduced waiting time and an enhanced quality of care.

This is a moderate and “simple” way to incorporate AI into our daily lives, yet it can make a big difference. At the same time there were also presentations on how AI, biohacking and quantum physics can make medical changes we can only imagine.

AI on the agenda

The focus in the health and welfare sectors will of course always have the end-user, the patient, at the core of all aspects. But how good the care for the patient is depends on the outcome of a much bigger picture than we normally think of.

It is not to be ignored that we live in unstable times and this sector is facing a lot of complex challenges in both staffing, security, infrastructure, and with threats such as physical and biological warfare, as well as environmental catastrophes. We have to consider the worst-case scenarios in order to make solutions that will keep us safe even if we lose internet, power or access to the emergency numbers. 

And as someone in the conference said: the future hospital will have to go from a stationery building to digital consultations and mobile units. Ambulances must be able to treat and operate in the field. So how do we design for a mobile hospital?

The big shift

Service design has for quite a while been a “hot potato” in health and welfare projects. Today a lot of health personnel, digital suppliers and research departments have adopted the design methodology and approach to their work. That is good news, as it gives us as citizens better and more user centric healthcare. 

As digital medicine dispensers are now implemented in the homes of our elderly one can only hope they have been well designed when it comes to content and interface. What does the robot read out loud to the user and with what tone of voice? What does it say on the screen? Will the interface be easy enough to navigate for those not used to robotics and digital surfaces? And will the healthcare-worker find it easy enough to program?

As service design often marks the beginning of projects, and many times results in pilots and insight, it is now time that we take a closer look at the rest of the picture as well. Disciplines as business design, content design and UX will be crucial in making e-health in Norway a success – both in public and private sectors. Health and welfare is facing many big and small obstacles in the near future, and one of the core fundaments of design thinking is that we love problem-solving. 

So, let's gather our strengths and approach these challenges together. Let's prepare for the worst while designing for the best.

Norwegian e-Health: preparing for the worst and designing for the best