The Paramedic Association of Manitoba
Challenge
The Paramedic Association of Manitoba was looking for a consistent way to verify patient protocols and deliver real-time information to paramedics for pre-hospital patient care. Despite an evolving scope-of-practice, medics continue to rely on out-dated tools such as ring-bound binders and basic memory when performing under pressure. In an industry where seconds matter, we knew we must do better.
Solution
Strategy FOCUS ON THE USER-EXPERIENCE We focused on understanding the paramedic-process, which began by interviewing paramedics and studying standard operating procedures. Our core challenge was turning static patient protocols initially designed for 8.5x11 inch paper, to fit a screen only 3 inches wide. Existing apps for paramedic protocols act as 'glorified e-readers,' uploading PDF's. We knew we could design a better user-experience, meaning greater speed for paramedics. Solution CARD-BASED DESIGN Based on our expertise in mobile strategy, we created a complex algorithm to organize patient protocols into easy-to-view 'cards,' which can be clicked on or swiped through. Each protocol is linked within the app, so no more flipping pages to navigate between care-maps. ONE APP, TWO OPTIONS For paramedics who prefer the traditional display of protocols, tilting the smartphone from portrait-view to landscape-view brings up the more traditional format; a win-win for everyone.
Results
Knowledge... in the palms of their hands Over 1,600 paramedics now have access to the first-of-its-kind app across Canada. The Paramedic Association of Manitoba and the Paramedic Association of Canada are working with us to improve the app's features and to validate the need for similar products elsewhere. Future phases will publish hospital wait-times to the app to improve paramedic decision-making, and send patient care information collected from the app back to the hospital to improve patient flow and ultimately patient care. 1,500+ Combined Decision-Points 30,000+ Words of Notes 78 Regional Hospitals withing 1,000 KM Radius
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