This peer-reviewed paper, published online in Applied Ergonomics (14 October 2013), details the collaborative methodology of Designing Out Medical Error (DOME) project (EPSRC-funded, 2008-11, PI Myerson). Studies have shown that errors occur during the care of around one in ten of all hospital patients (Vincent et al 2001). The Design for Patient Safety report (Buckle et al 2003) revealed shortcomings in the management of design within the NHS. Ulrich et al (2004) have shown that design can improve patient outcomes. These findings stressed the need for a more collaborative approach.

The DOME research built multidisciplinary collaboration between designers at RCA and clinicians, psychologists, patient safety experts and process management academics at Imperial College London. The paper details how a specific focus on clinical processes provided an evidence base for design briefs. Co-author West led the pioneering methodology of taking Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) used in high-risk industries and applying it in healthcare to create design briefs. The resulting design interventions were tested on simulation wards at St Mary’s Hospital, London, to validate this approach.

The paper describes how the theoretical framework established in the Design for Patient Safety report was put into practice, using a multidisciplinary perspective to influence clinical outcomes. In particular, DOME demonstrated the benefits of a multidisciplinary team operating in tandem throughout the design development process rather than passing the baton from one discipline to the next at different stages of the process. The DOME project was awarded ‘Pro Runner-Up, Strategy & Research’ at the Core 77 International Design Awards, and was the winner in the International Research category at the Design & Health International Academy Awards.