Design and Product Development

Mapping the System-of-Use for the Patient Hospital Gown

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Abstract

Since its introduction in the early 1900's, there has been little change to the conventional design of the patient gown. However, both patients and their healthcare providers have expressed significant discontent with the conventional design. Even seemingly simple modifications to the patient gown, such as increasing the size range, has not been achieved. The purpose of this research was to create a model of the system-of-use for the patient gown. This model was created by exploring literature on how the patient gown travels within the hospital linen organization, sorting and tracking methods during the gown life cycle, transportation to and from a laundry facility to a hospital, and laundry facility operations. Understanding this complex system will aid in the development of the patient gown, resulting in improved future innovation and adoption rates of new patient-centered products in healthcare. Future systems research will help identify where the system needs modifications to make impactful design changes to future medical apparel. 

Keywords: Hospital Patient Gown, Systems Design

How to Cite:

Gordon, L. A. & Pokorny, C. G., (2019) “Mapping the System-of-Use for the Patient Hospital Gown”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8414