At this stage, I feel that I have a sound grasp on both the problem and how it affects the user. I had some ideas cooking at the back of my head as I have moved through my research and ideation thus far, so it was great to finally get some of these down on paper and begin exploring the direction I can take this project.
I created a mind map below of all of the different ideas I have. These covered a broad range of areas under the topic of ‘a digital approach to emergency care’. I am considering all aspects, such as a patient facing app, point of care application and even increasing digital infrastructure within the care landscape.
‘A Digital Approach to Emergency Care’ Mind Map
The previous mind map was quite broad in nature, which is why I wanted to continue mind mapping but in a more specific manner to begin to flesh out my ideas and their purpose.
PATIENT FACING APP
This is something that I feel is integral to a digital approach to emergency care. This could offer a diverse range of solutions which would drastically improve this service. Similar to the ‘phone first’ service which helps massively in managing A&E, a feature where patients could chat to someone could go far in helping those who have questions about the seriousness of their condition, their correct care pathway and everything in between to engage with someone and feel that they are being understood and listened to.
This app could be a hub of information for care pathways of both emergency care and more. It could also offer insights into current waiting times. A symptom checker could be extremely useful as a first point of call for patients before accessing any service. This could filter out minor ailments that would not need to avail of A&E and instead use GP pathway or self manage. The app could also aid some patients to self manage in minor cases. This can be a viable option for more affluent service users who could self manage more minor cases, allowing them to avoid service use all together.
This app could offer aid to patients as they move through the service such as direction to ED departments, real time updates while moving through the emergency care system and guidance on how to access alternative care pathways. Booking ED slots could also be a function in the app that improves the experience of users drastically. Administering patients a time to arrive at ED would mean they could wait in the comfort of their own home rather than a waiting room. The app could also be a place where users can give feedback on their experience, helping them feel that they are being listened to and also allowing for improved care for all.
Patient Facing App Mind Map
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
I created a similar mind map to explore my idea of creating more of a digital infrastructure within the A&E landscape. Patient check-in interfaces could be used for self serve efficient check in to ED. Digital sign-posting could be used to display public notices, displays prioritisation breakdowns or guides patients to correct areas. This could also be used to call patients to treatment along with in-app notifications. Patient help interfaces could also be inserted into the waiting areas to give patients advice, allow them to ask questions, request help, check symptoms or give feedback.
Digital Infrastructure Mind Map