Slinical simulation in action

1.

Problem: Research shows that patients can misunderstand or forget up to 80% of the information discussed during their medical consultation. Shocking, but perhaps you can relate. During an in-person consultation, doctors can pass notes to patients. In a telehealth consultation, this is less intuitive. Solution: As a collaborative team, we co-designed an add-on feature that includes real-time summary notes, which the clinician can input for the patient and discuss before the patient leaves the video call.

Preparation &Briefing

To test the usability, workflow, and unintended consequences, we utilised clinical simulation. First, we recruited the end-users and developed clinical scenarios of how this case would be used in business as usual. Second, we brief the participants on their goals for the clinical simulation.

2.

Next, we run the simulation. Observe how real end-users interact with the tool. Check for any usability issues. Do they look confused? Are they spending way too long to get from one checkpoint to another? Hear feedback from them. Do they like it? Do they find it easy to use? Do they want more features? Does it actually solve the problems they face, or is it just a good thing to have but does not contribute much value? Can they see themselves using it in the near future, and what are some barriers to using this tool for them and their colleagues? Then we debrief with the participants on what happened during the simulation and collect thoughts and feedback.

Simulation &Debriefing

3.

In the final stage, we analyse the data, look to answer our initial questions and report the findings. Because of clinical simulation, we learned that:

• Usability: The prototype tool was not user-friendly and was inaccurate for medication names and doses. It required too much editing and time away from patient, which clinicians did not like, as it interrupted the therapeutic relationship. So we modified the prototype.
• Workflow: The medical dictionary that was shared with the patients added value but it was too long and dominant in the summary, and made the clinician’s note less salient. So, we put a cap on the number of words for the dictionary.
• Paradoxical outcomes: The prototype tool increased consultation time, even though it was designed for efficiency. However, we also learned that clinicians were tolerant of this increase because it resulted in a better outcome for the patient.

Analysing & Reporting