Fusari’s research addressed practice-related problems from a medico-legal perspective with the aim of providing a working tool that aids GPs to comply with best practice protocols. The resulting bag was developed in collaboration with General Practitioners, clinicians and members of the Medical Defence Union (MDU).
Using proven methods to establish an evidence-based brief (as developed within the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design Healthcare and Patient Safety Lab), this research used task, equipment and consumables analysis to determine minimum requirements and preferred layouts for task optimisation. The research established that clinicians require three distinct functions in their workspace: laying out, organisation, and information retrieval. Feedback from clinicians indicated that this working tool allows them to access information and equipment wherever they may be: a marked improvement on current practice.
It has been shown that lifestyle and demographic changes such as the ageing population and increased prevalence of chronic diseases require more consistent standards of primary care, and that this is well coordinated and integrated (Imison et al. 2011). Many guidelines exist relating to general practice and the doctor’s bag (NSLMC 2008, RACGP 2010, RCGP 2008 and Hiramanek 2004), but there is no standard in the UK that regulates the shape and materials of the bag or its contents. Doctors may use any sort of vessel to transport their equipment and consumables to a patient’s location. Furthermore, treating patients in their own homes, outside an ideal clinical environment, presents its own complications.
A looks-like, works-like bag prototype and information system were developed that will be used in clinical trials, the results of which will determine the manufacturing of a new, standardised bag for clinical treatment for use by members of the MDU.