Redesigning the Emergency Ambulance Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design

2005–2006 Design for Patient Safety: Future Ambulance The year-long study was initiated by NHS National Patient Safety Agency to investigate how the safety of patients and ambulance staff could be improved through better design of vehicles and equipment. The results contributed to the ongoing national standardization programme and led to Smart Pods, a project funded by the EPSRC. 2007–2009 Smart Pods Project This two-year research project addressed the whole system of emergency and urgent pre- hospital care. It brought together research by clinicians, designers, social scientists, ergonomists, and operations management analysts, and resulted in a range of innovative propositions that enable clinicians to take healthcare to the community and reduce patient journeys and hospital admissions. 2010–current Redesign of the current A&E ambulance The project benefits from input from patients, the public, ‘frontline’ clinical staff, healthcare managers, operational managers, commissioners and purchasers in an intensive co-design and development programme that has produced a redesigned A&E ambulance interior that has demonstrated to deliver benefits for patients, clinicians and the health service as a whole. Evidence base

Design challenges 4. Accessibility to patient 1. Hygiene and cleaning 2. Patient experience 3. Layout and arrangement 5. Equipment integration 6. Stock control 7. Communication 8. Sustainability

21 st century ambulance

Our solution Latest in a series of projects to improve ambulance care Evidence-based research - approx. £2M of funding committed to date Produced a tested demonstrator ambulance treatment space Co-design, iterative process evaluated by NHS staff and patients Clearly measured performance improvements Aim “To provide front-line ambulance crews with a treatment space fit for purpose in the 21 st century” Demonstrated Benefits Improved patient safety Enhanced clinical functionality Reduced operational costs for the NHS

t Project lead / design lead Helen Hamlyn Centre for DesignEd Matthews Gianpaolo Fusari Yusuf Muhammad Vehicle Design Department RCADale Harrow Peter Stevens Richard Winsor

Co-Design process

Ride outs

Concept development

Clinical evaluations

Comparing old vs. new

Redesigned treatment space

Good layout - easy to get access to equipment. O2 and leads coming from the ceiling is a very good idea, easily accessible “ ” After dealing with the patient in the middle I can’t imagine doing it any other way “ ” It’d be useful to have direct contact with hospitals. Saves a lot of time “ ” Paramedic feedback

CORE DESIGN AWARDS