MS Outpatient Future Groups
MS Outpatient Future Groups explores the use of future groups as a service improvement tool within an outpatient setting for multiple sclerosis patients. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of future groups in improving the quality of participant interaction and identify key ideation tools that could enhance patient engagement.
Over a 12-month period, I conducted future groups with multiple sclerosis patients attending outpatient clinics. As a design researcher, I was particularly interested in evaluating the effectiveness of the ideation tools used in service improvement projects to facilitate patient engagement and interaction. I also examined how participants' contributions were used to inform service improvement activities.
The findings of my study suggest that future groups can be an effective tool for involving patients in service improvement activities. I identified a number of ideation tools that were particularly effective in facilitating participant interaction and engagement, including visualisation tools and scenario planning exercises. These tools were instrumental in encouraging participants to share their experiences and ideas in a collaborative and supportive environment.
A prop pack designed to support health care staff and patients participants to contribute to creating an ideal patient journey for the future.
Participants selected and arranged contours on the map of the future journey to convey and document their reflections on reality
A highly emotive map of reflections from current practices within the outpatient journey
The outpatient department at the Royal London Hospital (2013).