Applying User Experience Principles to Patient Experiences

Abstract

Patient experiences within the healthcare system are often negative due to the predominantly system-centric nature of healthcare, as well as the physical or mental symptoms of the medical condition being experienced. Improved patient experiences are likely to improve patient visits, engagement with treatment, reduce frustration, and in some medical conditions, improve treatment outcomes. One way to improve patient experiences is to apply user experience principles to the design of patient interactions within the healthcare system. The present study utilized Arhippainen’s User Experience heuristics to identify ways in which patient experiences can be improved. Fundamental restructuring towards patient-centric experiences and general security practices would lead to improved PX and perceptions of healthcare.