Putting Stroke Survivors First: A Design-Led Approach to Early Supported Discharge (ESD)
How might we design an early supported discharge service that provides a meaningful and memorable experience for stroke survivors, while addressing their individual needs and supporting positive health outcomes?
Overview
Project duration: 6 months
Partners: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda & NCAD
Funding: HSE Spark
Impact
The ESD team at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, established in early 2023, recognizes the transformative potential of design in enhancing their service delivery, as they strive to provide stroke survivors with the best possible care and support for rehabilitation and restoration of living in the comfort of their own homes, in alignment with the National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027.
"“The ESD Team became friends. I looked forward to them popping in. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”"Stroke survivor, OLOL Drogheda
Challenge
The HSE Spark and NCAD research team have set out to enhance the existing ESD service, with a focus on delivering a memorable and patient-centred experience. In addition, we seek to develop a replicable model for streamlined implementation in other centres, with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda serving as a template for success.
Process
To date, the process has involved conducting interviews with patients and ESD team members, as well as examining other ESD services to gather insights, identify pain points, and any potential opportunities for improvement.
Additionally, we have sought to upskill the ESD team in design thinking through a learn-by-doing approach, fostering co-design between team members and their patients. Using this approach, the team has constructed patient journey maps, developed personas, conducted phone interviews, and designed and tested touchpoints to refine the service. As a result, stroke survivors can expect a more patient-centred and memorable experience, while the ESD team has a replicable model for implementation in other centres.
Output
The current focus is on refining touchpoints for stroke survivors, particularly information materials. The team is working to ensure that the information provided to patients is clear, concise, and tailored to their individual needs. We are also supporting the ESD team in transitioning towards a paperless process and reducing their administrative burden.
