Client
BackpackEMR is an electronic medical records system intended to support medical teams who are providing care to patients in remote locations without Internet access.
Challenge
Extend functionality for the BackpackEMR mobile system by designing additional modules that will allow users to better track their work and improve their reporting process.
Users
Medical and volunteer staff for organizations and groups who travel to areas that don’t often have existing medical clinics or EMR systems. The system allows these users to better track patient care in challenging situations and locations.
UX Methods
Competitive Audit // Sketching // Journey Map // Kano Analysis // Annotated Wireframes
Tools Used
Illustrator // Photoshop // Pen & Paper // PowerPoint
Process & Story
Preliminary Research
Work with BackpackEMR started with a client presentation by the system founder and CEO which covered details of how BackpackEMR works out in the field and what kinds of opportunities exist for additional features. The presentation and associated discussion highlighted that functionality related to metrics modules for tracking within the system would be a focus for the project. These types of modules would provide ways for users to achieve better outcomes and improve reporting while using BackpackEMR.
Competitive Audit
A competitive audit was undertaken to gather background information and look at features and processes of other similar electronic medical record systems in use. This process was important to gain an understanding about what some medical missions or campaigns are currently using in the field as well as to help us develop ideas about possibilities for the BackpackEMR system.
Journey Map
The purpose for creating a journey map for this project was to examine existing processes related to tracking and reporting using BackpackEMR as well as to look at future possibilities for tracking and reporting within the system. Our exploration included delving into the thoughts, actions, feelings, and questions of those using the BackpackEMR system. We also examined the future or ideal experience of these same users with areas of opportunity for features in BackpackEMR highlighted. The journey mapping project helped us to better understand the experience and path of the BackpackEMR user and allowed us to delve into possible ideas and features for new modules in the system.
Kano Analysis
A questionnaire containing sample sketches of possible modules was created and sent to a set of BackpackEMR users. The survey was setup according to the Kano Model which classifies customer preferences into predefined categories. The survey responses were analyzed using an evaluation table consistent with the Kano Model. Based on this analysis, we had a better understanding of customer satisfaction with each of the proposed product features listed in the survey. One of the important findings from this process was that a metrics module or dashboard was a highly desirable feature that could be considered for future development within the BackpackEMR system.
Annotated Wireframes
Based on client interviews, research, the journey map process, and Kano analysis, a set of annotated wireframes of suggested features for BackpackEMR were developed. These wireframes focused around two goals. The first goal, a metrics dashboard in the WebAdmin module of BackpackEMR, is an important feature to develop in the future in order to provide daily, trip, and yearly statistics. These statistics would be used by the organization as well as disseminated to other orgs, donor groups, ministries of health, and worldwide health care organizations.
Annotated Wireframes, Continued
The second goal centers around creating a new notification system in the Primary Care & Orthopedic modules, as well as future modules, which would help with referrals and follow up care for selected patients. This feature would allow notes from providers to be sent to other organizations and groups providing care in the same location or to larger groups like ministries of health or worldwide health care organizations as appropriate.