This thesis describes the design process of a service/tool for the management and prevention of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) cases. PJI is a complication that follows total joint replacement and is devastating for the patient. It causes physical and mental strain and the
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This thesis describes the design process of a service/tool for the management and prevention of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) cases. PJI is a complication that follows total joint replacement and is devastating for the patient. It causes physical and mental strain and the patient's health never returns to close to what it was prior to the complication. It furthermore lays a financial burden on hospitals and society. The assignment for this thesis is initiated by Zimmer Biomet, the leading manufacturer for orthopaedic medical devices and joint prostheses. It is expected that providing services and tools that aid in the management and prevention of PJI cases will become a future strategy of Zimmer Biomet. The research in this thesis defines that the biggest problem concerning the management and prevention of PJI cases is the presence of a knowledge gap between guidelines defined by experts and appliable knowledge by staff. The multidisciplinary team (MDT) dashboard is a solution to this problem. This dashboard aids in the diagnosis and decision for treatment method of PJI cases. It is used both prior to and during the MDT meeting, which is a meeting during which a team of physicians from varying disciplines discuss PJI cases to arrive to a just diagnosis and optimal decisions for treatment methods. The dashboard provides visual aids, to help all members communicate their substantiation and to ensure that every aspect is discussed. It furthermore gives a non-binding advice, based on the patient data and guidelines developped by PJI experts. A digital prototype of the dashboard and a strategy are also presented. After validation of both these elements, further elaboration is given on the technical and organisational implementation of the dashboard, into hospitals. It is concluded that the dashboard is feasible, desirable and viable and that it will aid in the management and prevention of PJI cases. Next to aiding surgeons and MDT members, it will improve patient outcome and will serve an economic and societal goal. It is therefore recommended that Zimmer Biomet continues the development and pursues the implementation of the dashboard.