Broadening my research even further, I wanted to discover global healthcare to see what inspiration for design I could pull from this area. I completed a mind map below to explore the various themes that had emerged throughout my research:

Global Healthcare Mind Map

An Overview of Global Health in 2024

CHRONIC CONDITIONS

• One of the primary issues is the growing burden of chronic diseases. With an aging global population, conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are becoming more prevalent, putting an enormous strain on healthcare systems.

GLOBAL PANDEMICS

• As illustrated by the recent COVID-19 crisis, infectious diseases can quickly spread across borders, overwhelming healthcare infrastructure and posing a significant threat to global health security.

ACCESS ISSUES

• Access to healthcare in low-income countries is a pressing issue. Despite advancements in medical technology, many people in developing countries still lack access to basic healthcare services, leading to high rates of preventable diseases and deaths. Efforts to improve access to healthcare in these regions are complicated by factors such as political instability, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient funding.

STRENGTHENING HEALTHCARE

• There is the challenge of managing the cost of healthcare while improving its quality. Healthcare costs are increasing worldwide, putting pressure on individuals, families, and government budgets. At the same time, there is a growing demand for high-quality care. Balancing these two aspects – cost and quality – is a complex task that requires innovative solutions and careful resource management.

RISK FACTORS

• The impact of lifestyle factors on health is increasingly being recognised. Poor diet and physical inactivity, often linked to the rise of urbanisation and sedentary lifestyles, contribute to the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, policy changes, and interventions at the community level.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

• Technological advancements also pose both opportunities and challenges for global healthcare. While innovations in medical technology have the potential to greatly improve patient care and outcomes, they also raise questions about cost, accessibility, and ethical considerations.

MENTAL HEALTH

• The mental health crisis is a growing concern globally. Despite increased awareness, mental health disorders remain under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low-income countries. The stigma associated with mental health issues, lack of mental health professionals, and inadequate funding are significant barriers to addressing this problem.

CLIMATE CHANGE

• Climate change and environmental factors are becoming increasingly central to discussions around global health. Changes in climate patterns can lead to increases in infectious diseases, malnutrition due to compromised food security, and mental health issues resulting from displacement and disaster-related stress. Addressing these issues requires a broad, interdisciplinary approach that integrates health, environmental, and social policies.