AKV Neuro: Case Study
Overview
At present surgeons must use basic methods of data collection, such as ExCel, if they wish to track their performance. With no consistency in how the data is collected or reviewed, there is limited value in collecting the data that could be used to understand and improve the patient care.
Product: A data collection tool that is adaptable to the needs of the individual and removes the pain points of the more traditional methods of data collection.
Deliverable: create a clickable prototype to demonstrate the potential of this product when applying for funding.
This project was completed as part of an eight-week course covering user experience and interface design with Experience Haus. We worked in teams of three to address different sections of the final prototype - my team worked on data input.
Discover
Stakeholder interview
The live brief was submitted by a neurosurgeon, based in London. Inspired by his own experience as a surgeon, the client wanted to design a data collection tool that could first be adopted by the community of 200 neurosurgeons in the UK but should be adaptable to the needs of other clinicians and medical researchers.
Competitive audit
I researched field data collection apps, such as JotForm and Teamscope, to compare features that reoccur and best practices for designing the user interface of forms.
User interviews
As part of the research we conducted four interviews with surgeons and researchers working in the field of neurology - the expected primary users of the application.
Define
Affinity Mapping
During the four user interviews we gathered a lot of information which was then synthesised into an affinity map. The current pain points seemed to be numerous but there were also clear benefits to collecting more data.
Gains
Personal Development to track performance, improve over time and used in appraisals.
Research for use in clinical studies to further medical science
Clinical Consultations to give an accurate picture of likely outcomes for an informed patient decision.
Mitigate risk of litigation whilst the data cannot prevent legal action accurate records can ensure that the user has ability to review and defend the actions taken.
Pains - Data output
Lack of access. Data is collected electronically by the hospital but surgeons cannot see aggregated data.
Database is difficult to search and filter
Without visualisations, it’s hard to spot trends.
Pains - Data input
Input is manual using ExCel. Often formally recorded days, weeks or even months after the surgery.
Time consuming
Leads to errors and/or biases
Pains - Data quality
Data is inconsistent and dependant on the surgeon.
Most commonly collected when something goes wrong.
All these factors mean that most clinicians do not believe data currently collected is robust enough to be useful.
Security
Data protection laws will add constraints to the functionality of the application
Persona
Persona created from combining traits from the user interviews.
Problem statement
“Surgeons understand the benefits of using data to improve their performance but current methods of input and analysis are time consuming and frustrating.”
Prioritisation
Summary
Designing the product for personal development and not as a collaborative record, like other EPR software, allows the product to have a concise interface and removes complications created by including multiple users.
Not having integration means users have to duplicate data input but as there are six NHS accredited EPR programmes in England, with no standard EPR system, creating any integrations would be a complicated project.
From the interviews I know that surgeons care deeply about improving patient care. Therefore as long as the process is streamlined and surgeons see results, I will assume that not having an integration won’t be a block to initial adoption.
Design
User Flows
Once we had identified the priorities and the tasks that the product must, should and could complete, it was time to start mapping out the task flows.
My group focussed on data input, so we kept in mind the need to collect data with ease and that there should be easy access to pertinent actions.
Sketches
Key screens were identified from the task flow and I began to sketch ideas for how these could look.
From working on courier sign ups at Uber Eats, I knew that clever case management would be vital to creating a simple data input process.
Proposing features such as:
Grouping patients into stages
To Do lists (CTA) on the dash and patient profiles
Access to search on all screens
Wireframes
The key screens were then built in Figma and connected into a prototype that could be used for usability testing.
TEST
Usability testing
Two usability tests were conducted with the same surgeons we had spoken to earlier in the process.
Scenario
You've completed a pre surgery consultation with Kathryn Murphy and you want to record the information collected from the patient.
Assumptions
Finding the patient
User is able to find search function
With limited clicks - the user can find the correct patient’s profile
Enter the information
User understands how to find the form
User has quick access to the form required for the stage (pre-op)
The form asks the correct questions for this stage
User can review and edit details, if required
Feedback
To be improved
Missing prominent visual cues when tasks are completed
Lacks a progress bar and option to save midway
Important data is missing such as type of surgery
Currently working
Correct form is easy to locate
To Do section created a clear call to action
Overview gives a holistic snapshot of the current workflow
Next Steps
We presented the findings to the client and found that we could simplify the tool even further. Instead of collecting all the patient data the surgeons should have the functionality to choose which statistics are important to them.
Research
Continue the user interviews, to better understand the data that is important to surgeons and how best to visualise the information.
Design
Focus on customisation, designing the form builder and how a user will manage the workflow.
Test
Run additional usability testing for each task, iterating and refining the workflow, ensuring the product is as simple but delightful as possible.
Brand
Work with the client on the branding and then incorporate the same themes in the design of the user interface.