The complexity and interdependency of hospital activities make it challenging to seamlessly integrate new technologies into clinical routines, especially with various stakeholders involved. Considering contextual factors when implementing innovations has been recognized as critical to success. This highlights the significance of an approach that focuses on integrating technology with the existing healthcare culture and motivating the context to change, rather than focusing on technology alone. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to provide a method to ensure the clinical context is considered when developing a new technology. This approach is put in practice by utilizing it to introduce augmented reality (AR) at the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) department of the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, to provide new insights on how to better align the technology with clinical needs and to familiarize and motivate the medical team with the technology. This is done in close collaboration with the UMC Groningen. Currently, the UMC Groningen, UMC Utrecht, and the Center for Information Technology (CIT) of the University of Groningen are developing an AR surgical navigation system. The aim of the introduction is to provide valuable information for the further development of the system and to prepare and involve the clinical environment.
The approach used in this thesis is based on human-centered design and design-thinking. Furthermore, key factors for successful adoption found from previous research are considered. The approach consists of four main components. The first is to assign a med-tech innovation coordinator; someone with both a medical and technical background who will be responsible for driving adoption. Furthermore, it is an iterative three-step process: 1) Gain understanding; 2) Share understanding; 3) Actively engage stakeholders.
The application of this approach to introduce AR at the OMFS department of the UMC Utrecht has resulted in multiple positive effects. In clinical context it resulted in an understanding of the technology and its value, motivations to invest time in the system, and the establishment of a shared future perspective on the implementation of AR. Furthermore, valuable input from a clinical perspective is obtained, including confirmation of valuable system elements and new ideas/insights for the further development of the AR navigation system.
In conclusion, this thesis provides guidance for departments seeking to adopt new technologies based on a practical example. The methodology provides activities that facilitate the early introduction of technologies, ensuring the active involvement of the clinical context.