Case study: How user-led design thinking was applied in the ER setting to improve patient care

We interviewed urgent care and ER physicians in order to find out the current challenges faced when treating patients with acute infections and to understand how topical treatment could improve the management of this condition.

The solution
We employed a user-led design approach, allowing physicians to create their own device and also carried out testing of four unique device designs. An intensive 3 days of duo and triad interviews conducted with emergency care specialists resulted in high group participation and respondent engagement. The result was a very deep understanding of the individual attributes considered key characteristics of the ideal delivery-device. In the final stage, we conducted a future framing exercise to provide the client with suggested next steps, barriers and solutions.

The outputs
We were able to confirm which option was the the most successful prototype. Urgent care and emergency physicians were in agreement that the device should be pre-filled to allow for quick and easy administration to children in a busy and high-pressure environment. The treatment should also address antibiotic resistance build up, ultimately allowing physicians to see and treat more patients in practice and reduce the number of hospital stays. In addition, we provided clear recommendations on potential obstacles that would need to be addressed, such as cost and storage, in order to maximize uptake.