Co-design

Co-design is an approach that actively involves people in the design process of a product, service, or system. It emphasizes the idea that those who will use or be affected by the design should have a voice in shaping it. In co-design, the emphasis is not on designing for people but rather on designing with people. It involves sharing power, prioritizing relationships, using participatory means and building capability. (Buchanan, 2020)

Cross-peer healthcare

Cross-peer healthcare challenges the conventional understanding of peer-to-peer dynamics within the healthcare context. While "peer" typically denotes someone of the same status, ability, or rank, the term "cross-peer" introduces a nuanced perspective. In this context, cross-peer refers to individuals of differing status, ability, or rank who engage in collaborative health-related interactions. This term, introduced by Jodi Sperber, (Sperber, 2016) aims to highlight and emphasize interactions that go beyond traditional peer relationships, shedding light on a less explored aspect within the broader terminology of patient health movements.

Peer-to-peer healthcare

Peer-to-peer healthcare involves patients and caregivers sharing information, support, and resources directly with one another, often facilitated by online platforms and communities. This approach empowers individuals by providing access to firsthand experiences and practical advice from others who have faced similar health challenges. It can include forums, social media groups, and specialized health platforms where users can exchange knowledge about treatments, coping strategies, and navigating the healthcare system. (Fox, 2011)

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by the body's inability to properly regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. This can occur due to issues with insulin production, insulin action, or both. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose from the food we eat enter cells to be used for energy.

Main Types of Diabetes

1.     Type 1 Diabetes:

• Cause: The body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

• Characteristics: Little or no insulin is produced.

• Management: Requires regular insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, along with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels.

2.     Type 2 Diabetes:

• Cause: The body becomes resistant to insulin, or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.

• Characteristics: Often associated with obesity, inactivity, and genetic factors.

• Management: Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), oral medications, and sometimes insulin therapy.

Discrimination

Direct discrimination: when one person is treated less favorably than another because of their background or certain personal characteristics. 

Indirect discrimination: laws, policies and practices that apply to everyone in the same way and that may appear neutral but have a worse effect on some people than on others; 

Intersectional discrimination: the complex, multi-faceted dimensions of discrimination on the grounds of social categories or personal characteristics. (WHO, 2023)

Empowerment

Empowerment is the process of enabling individuals or communities to gain control over their lives, make independent decisions, and acquire the skills and confidence to achieve their goals. It involves providing the resources, information, and support necessary for individuals to overcome challenges and actively participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives. (WHO, 2022)

Evidence-Based Research

Evidence-Based Research is the use of prior research in a systematic and transparent way to inform a new study so that it is answering questions that matter in a valid, efficient and accessible manner.

Exploratory Design Research

Exploratory design research is a qualitative and iterative approach focused on understanding people, their behaviors, needs, and experiences. It is often used in the early stages of a design project to uncover insights that inform the development of products, services, or systems. This type of research is less about testing hypotheses and more about exploring possibilities, generating ideas, and gaining a deep understanding of the context in which a design will be used.

By engaging directly with people and adopting a flexible approach, exploratory design research ensures that final design solutions are effective, meaningful, and relevant. It is a powerful tool for gaining deep insights, fostering creativity, and driving innovation.

Framework

A framework is a structured approach or system used to organize and manage complex information, concepts, or processes. It provides a set of guidelines, principles, or rules that help in understanding, analyzing, and solving problems within a particular field or context. Frameworks can be used in various disciplines, such as software development, project management, research, and organizational planning, to ensure consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes.

Health community

health community refers to a group of individuals, often connected by health-related concerns or experiences who come together to support, engage, and exchange information about a shared condition. These communities can exist in various forms, such as online forums, social media groups, or local organizations, and serve as platforms for individuals to discuss health-related topics, share experiences, seek advice, and provide support to one another. Health communities contribute to building a sense of belonging, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting collective efforts toward improving health outcomes and overall well-being.

Health equity

Health equity refers to the principle of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health. It involves addressing and rectifying disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare services among different population groups. Health equity recognizes that various social, economic, and environmental factors contribute to health inequalities and strives to eliminate these systemic barriers. 

Health for all

Health for all is a principle and goal in public health that emphasizes the universal right to access essential healthcare services and achieve the highest possible level of health. Coined by the World Health Organization (WHO), the concept advocates for health services that are inclusive, accessible, and affordable to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, geographic location, or other potential barriers.

Lived experience

Lived experience refers to the firsthand, personal knowledge and understanding gained through direct encounters, interactions, and lived realities. 

Long Covid

Long Covid, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a range of symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the acute phase of a Covid-19 infection has resolved. These symptoms can affect various organs and systems within the body and significantly impact a person's quality of life.

Maker Movement 

The Maker Movement is a technology-focused do-it-yourself (DIY) movement that emphasizes "learning by doing" and empowers individuals to become makers or creators of physical solutions to local and immediate problems. Individuals are encouraged to "make" or "tinker" using technologies that were once limited to manufacturers but are now becoming more readily available to the average consumer, such as mobile technology, cloud-based computing, and 3-d printing. (Awori & Lee, 2017)

Maker Movement in healthcare

The Maker Movement in healthcare refers to the application of the principles and practices of the broader Maker Movement within the context of healthcare innovation.

Meaningful engagement

Meaningful engagement refers to a purposeful and valuable involvement of individuals or communities in activities, processes, or initiatives. It emphasizes active participation, collaboration, and a genuine connection that goes beyond mere participation. Meaningful engagement ensures that the input and contributions of individuals are not only considered but also respected, valued, and integrated into decision-making processes. 

Patient-centered care

Patient-centered care is an approach to healthcare that prioritizes the individual needs, preferences, and values of patients. It involves actively engaging patients in their healthcare decisions, fostering open communication between healthcare providers and patients, and considering the patient's perspective in all aspects of care.

Patient-centered innovation

Patient-centered innovation refers to the development and implementation of novel solutions, technologies, or approaches in healthcare that prioritize the needs, preferences, and experiences of patients. It involves actively involving patients in the innovation process, from identifying challenges to co-designing solutions, to ensure that the resulting innovations align with the real-world needs of those receiving healthcare services.

Power relations

Power relations refer to the dynamics of power between individuals, groups, or institutions. These relations shape how power is distributed, exercised, and resisted within various contexts such as political, social, economic, and organizational structures. Power relations can influence decision-making, control over resources, and the ability to influence others' actions and beliefs.

Provotype

A "provotype" is a portmanteau of "prototype" and "provocative," referring to a prototype designed to provoke thought, discussion, and reflection among stakeholders. Unlike traditional prototypes that aim to test functionality and usability, provotypes are intended to challenge assumptions, explore new ideas, and stimulate innovation. They are used as tools to engage users and stakeholders in meaningful dialogue, often leading to deeper insights and more creative solutions.

In essence, a provotype serves as a catalyst for generating new perspectives and understanding within a design or research project.

Safe space

A "safe space" refers to an environment where individuals can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm. These spaces are designed to provide comfort and security, allowing people to express themselves freely and openly without fear of judgment. 

Silent disease

A "silent disease" refers to a medical condition that progresses without noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to detect in its early stages. These diseases often go unnoticed until they have advanced significantly or cause serious complications.