________ CLIENT DETAILS

Understanding the idea

About

ClearRx is an innovative online platform that helps non-English-speaking patients understand prescriptions and medical terminology. It offers accurate translations of prescription instructions in various languages, with an easy-to-use interface. ClearRx simplifies medical terminology, making it accessible to individuals with different educational backgrounds. The platform maintains a comprehensive database of medical terms, regularly updated by a team of experts. In addition to translations, ClearRx provides supplementary resources to improve health literacy. Privacy and data security are prioritized, and the website aims to promote equitable healthcare access and empower non-English speakers in making informed decisions about their health.

Design Challenge

How might I simplify complex medical terminology for non-English speakers? How might I create user-friendly resources to bridge the language gap in medical communication? How might I develop a multilingual medical glossary for improved understanding? How might I provide accessible explanations of medical terms in multiple languages? How might I enhance comprehension of medical jargon for individuals with limited English proficiency?

________ SECONDARY RESEARCH

Language barriers in healthcare

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine brought to light the profound challenges non-English speakers face when trying to understand medical terms. This study revealed a striking contrast: a staggering 60% of Spanish-speaking patients with limited health literacy misunderstood at least one medication label instruction. In stark contrast, only 25% of English-speaking patients with adequate health literacy experienced similar difficulties. This marked disparity underscores the critical importance of addressing language barriers in healthcare.

Further emphasizing these challenges, a survey conducted by the American Medical Association delved into the issue of patient comprehension. The survey found that nearly half of the patients struggled to understand the instructions provided for their medications, irrespective of their linguistic background. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of the surveyed patients did not have a complete grasp of the purpose of the medications they were prescribed.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to ensure that non-English speakers receive equitable and clear healthcare information. Addressing language disparities in healthcare is not only a matter of improving access but also vital for patient safety, adherence to treatment plans, and overall health outcomes. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers must work collaboratively to bridge this linguistic gap and provide effective strategies to enhance medical term comprehension among diverse patient populations.

________ INTERVIEWS

Asking the right questions

Research Goals

The research objective was to obtain valuable insights from a diverse group of individuals. This included those who have personally experienced the challenging task of translating medical terms for their loved ones during doctor's office visits, as well as individuals who are actively engaged in healthcare settings, either as workers or volunteers, where they often find themselves translating medical terminology for patients.

This multifaceted approach enabled me to delve into the needs, motivations, and pain points faced by non-English speakers when attempting to comprehend complex medical terminology. To accomplish this, the survey included targeted questions designed to specifically address healthcare workers. I sought to gain a deeper understanding of their training in medical term translation and their real-world experiences when patients struggle with, or fail to comprehend, medical jargon. By collecting these insights, I aimed to uncover the critical aspects of language and communication in healthcare, especially concerning non-English speakers, and thereby inform strategies to bridge these language gaps effectively.

Questions

Can you describe what you do when you don’t know a medical term?

How do you feel when you read a prescription pamphlet?

What languages do you feel most comfortable using at the doctor's office, and why?

How do you teach non-English speakers about a diagnosis?

How often do non-English speakers ask you to clarify a medical term?

What translation services are available at your office for patients and their families?"

Results

It becomes evident that AggieExplorer, designed for UC Davis students, has made a positive impression. Users appreciate its straightforward and simplistic design, finding it easy to navigate. They mainly use AggieExplorer to explore grade distributions for specific professors and classes, enabling them to make informed decisions when registering for courses. This information influences their class choices, emphasizing fairness and manageable workload. Users express their willingness to continue using the site in the future, suggesting potential enhancements such as the ability to save preferred classes and syncing past course data for more insights. Overall, AggieExplorer serves as a valuable tool for UC Davis students, aligning with their needs and priorities when making course selections.

________ PERSONA DETAILS

Synthesizing user research

Ka-Ling Wong

Age: 56
Ethnicity: Chinese
Preferred Language: Cantonese

Biography

Mrs. Wong visits a specific doctor's office, where she knows they have translators because it allows her to ask questions and understand what the doctor says. She now feels confident in the medical decisions she makes. She used to go to a different doctor's office that didn't have translators and would have to bring her son to translate. Her son was not a medical professional, so sometimes he didn’t correctly translate the medical terms.

Pain Points

Mrs. Wong grapples with overwhelming frustration as her son struggles to translate intricate medical terms, leading to the need for her to write down medication instructions during doctor's visits repeatedly, and the inability to secure a translated prescription in Cantonese only adds to her sense of isolation and anxiety.

Goals

Her primary goals are to confidently ask the doctor pertinent questions, communicate her concerns, and accurately convey the pain she is experiencing, all in her preferred language, ensuring a clear and effective dialogue with her healthcare provider.

Jose Fernandez

Age: 52
Ethnicity: Mexican
Preferred Language: Spanish

Biography

Following a recent work-related injury, Jose faced challenges comprehending the medication information provided by his doctor due to a language barrier. The medication labels and accompanying pamphlets were exclusively in English, leaving him without the option to receive his prescription in Spanish. Despite depending on his 12-year-old daughter for translation assistance, the complexity of medical terminology posed difficulties, as she was unable to accurately interpret all the terms.

Pain Points

The frustration mounts for him as the unavailability of medication information in Spanish forces him to rely on others for translations of complex medical terms, leaving him unable to make informed decisions about his health and highlighting the systemic barriers that hinder access to crucial healthcare information in his preferred language.

Goals

Jose's main goals include comprehending the purpose behind his prescribed medication, independently reading and understanding the warning labels, and ultimately, alleviating the need to depend on his 12-year-old daughter for translations, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency in managing his health.

________ BRAINSTORMING

Generating ideas

I conducted a free-flowing brainstorming and mind-mapping session where I deliberately set aside judgment to foster a space of unrestricted creativity. I encouraged the generation of diverse ideas, exploring potential design elements, interactive features, and user-friendly interfaces. By embracing an open-minded mindset, I aimed to uncover unconventional yet effective solutions that could resonate with a diverse audience. This process not only allowed for the generation of a wide array of ideas but also paved the way for innovative approaches that could significantly enhance the accessibility of medical information for individuals with language barriers.

________ WIREFRAMES

Low fidelity sketches

________ SITEMAP

Sitemap analysis

The decision to develop a sitemap was driven by the need to establish a comprehensive overview of the website's hierarchy, page structure, and content organization. This visual representation played a crucial role in gaining a profound understanding of the site's architecture, providing users with a seamless navigation experience and rapid access to pertinent information. The sitemap proved instrumental in identifying gaps or missing pages, functioning as a strategic roadmap for content creation and aiding in the prioritization of specific webpages essential for prototyping user flows. While initially contemplating the feasibility of prototyping the entire website within a limited timeframe for the final project, the sitemap illuminated the complexities involved, prompting a reconsideration of the project timeline and approach.

________ WIREFRAMES

Mid-fidelity wireframes

Prescription Page Design

Article Card Design

________ DESIGN COMPONENTS

Creating a visual design system

Typography

Lato's clean and modern design, coupled with its optimal legibility, ensures that intricate medical terms are presented visually clearly and easily understandable for all users. The balanced proportions and straightforward letterforms contribute to a sense of coherence, making the content more approachable. Lato's versatility accommodates various screen sizes, providing a seamless reading experience across different devices. By incorporating Lato, the website fosters a visually pleasing and professional aesthetic and prioritizes inclusivity, making complex medical information more accessible to a diverse audience.

Primary Colors

The primary colors are green and purple shades because they offer distinct advantages in enhancing clarity and accessibility. The green, symbolizing health and tranquility, establishes a reassuring ambiance, while the purple adds a touch of sophistication and aids in the visual hierarchy. Unlike many other medical websites that commonly employ blue, my decision to steer clear of this conventional color serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it sets ClearRx apart, creating a unique and memorable visual identity that stands out in the medical domain. Secondly, by avoiding blue, which is frequently associated with medical and healthcare platforms, we circumvent potential visual fatigue and offer a fresh, distinctive palette that promotes engagement and inclusivity, ensuring our website remains both aesthetically pleasing and accessible to all users.

________ HIGH FIDELITY DESIGNS

The final design

LANDING PAGE

Empowering Health Literacy Online

ClearRx tackles the issue of non-English-speaking patients understanding prescriptions and medical terminology with its user-friendly interface, offering accurate translations in multiple languages. Beyond simplifying medical terms, the platform maintains a comprehensive, regularly updated database curated by experts. It provides supplementary resources to enhance health literacy, promoting equitable healthcare access for non-English speakers.

List of Prescriptions

Allows users to access information on prescription drugs and medications seamlessly.

Medical Definition

This feature provides swift access to comprehensive explanations, empowering users with a deeper understanding of medical terminology.

Prescription Information

The prescription page is designed to distill medication information into easily digestible segments, minimizing medical jargon for user-friendly comprehension. Utilizing images and icons, the page provides visual cues that offer a preview of the accompanying text, enhancing the overall accessibility and understanding of information pertaining to the prescription drug.

________ CONCLUSION

Reflection

What I would do differently

Reflecting on the case study, a pivotal adjustment in my approach would involve early experimentation with a variety of ideas to address the challenge of medical health literacy. While I initially settled on a specific solution post-brainstorming, I recognize the missed opportunity in not exploring alternative concepts that could have offered unique insights. Furthermore, I acknowledge the need for deeper insights from medical professionals to comprehend their perspectives on overcoming language barriers and patient education levels. Despite encountering challenges in reaching out to medical professionals for consultations, I would prioritize establishing more robust connections to enrich the project with valuable expert insights.

What I did well

One of my notable strengths on this project was conducting comprehensive interviews with individuals who faced challenges in understanding medical terminology during doctors' appointments. This approach extended to those attending medical appointments on behalf of family members, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of healthcare communication. Additionally, the success of the brainstorming phase was evident as I ventured into unexplored territories, such as experimenting with the innovative VR concept. This willingness to explore unconventional ideas contributed to the project's success and demonstrated my commitment to pushing boundaries in the pursuit of effective solutions.

The future of the project

Moving forward, the project will undergo rigorous testing involving a diverse group of individuals to gather valuable feedback. This iterative process will enable us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring the final product is finely tuned to meet user needs. By incorporating user insights at each stage, we aim to enhance the overall user experience and create a solution that effectively addresses the complexities of medical health literacy.