When labour-saving technologies become labour-intensive

There may be several reasons why labour-saving technologies, contrary to their intended purpose, become labour-intensive:

• Because the new technology does not replace anything but instead becomes an extra task that must be carried out
• Because we do not sufficiently consult the users, meaning the need is not properly defined
• Because technology transfer is not as straightforward as it might seem. Very seldom can technological solutions from industry simply be transferred to the healthcare sector (even if they appear smart!)
• Because hospitals are complex machines, composed of many interdependent workflows involving numerous sub-tasks. A technological solution that “only” addresses a single sub-task may not contribute to the overall picture at all.

How Do We Ensure That We Only Develop Value-Creating Solutions?

The context in which the technology is implemented is crucial, and the list of elements to be considered is extensive:

• Space and setting
• Infrastructure
• Organisation
• Existing workflows, which may also impact other staff groups

Need and User-Centred Approach

But it all starts with NEED – with investigating and understanding the real needs that a technology is meant to address.

Here, a USER-CENTRED APPROACH is an excellent place to start 

Ideally in collaboration with the Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark, and preferably from the very beginning, as that yields the greatest benefit.

You are always welcome to contact the Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark for a talk about how we can assist with labour-saving technologies in your organisation.