How might a commode improve patient experience whilst reducing risk of infections in a hospital ward?
CONTEXT
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) could pose major concern to patients and the public as a result of both high rates of infection across the National Health Service (NHS), and media coverage of outbreaks at individual hospitals (King’s Fund, 2008). In 2008, The Design Council in partnership with The Department of Health and the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency, introduced the “Design Bugs Out” National Design Challenge as part of a range of government-introduced policies designed to reduce healthcare-associated infections in NHS organisations.
The challenge included a design brief focused on redesigning hospital commodes as a medical product associated with high risk of HCAIs.
The inclusive design research group at Brunel University London teamed up with Pearson Lloyds design consultancy and Kirton Healthcare manufacturer to redesign the hospital commode for improved hygiene, comfort and patient dignity.
METHOD
Human centred design research & insight through expert engagement, ethnographic research, and design empathy methods.
OUTCOME
DBO Commode manufactured by Kirton Healthcare for use in NHS hospitals, shortlisted for Brit Insurance Awards 2010.
The Inclusionaries Lab 