ED Managing Delays Effectively

Hi everyone, thank you for the incredible work you do.

I am a final-year Industrial Design student from Loughborough University, researching solutions to support staff in managing A&E delays more effectively within the NHS. My project focuses on device-based systems that streamline ambulance handovers, monitor patients’ vitals continuously, and improve/analyse overall patient flow during delays.

While root causes like community care gaps, bed shortages, ageing population, discharges, fractured management relationships and staff burn out are clear contributors, there’s immense potential in systems that can support staff in managing these issues more efficiently. I want this device to suit yourselves and support staff rather than being a tick box for management within the NHS. It seem some products do not benefit the primary users, I aim to change this.

As the primary objective is supporting the amazing work carried out by ED staff, I’d love your insights on the following:

  1. What are the most common procedures or tasks carried out for patients during delays in A&E?
  2. When at its busiest, what are the 3 biggest physical challenges of your role? If you could magically change/do something, what would it be?
  3. Would automated, continuous NEWS2 patient monitoring during extended wait times ease the burden/stress on yourselves?
  4. If you could have a device specifically tailored to assist with managing patients in A&E, what features would be most valuable? Anything goes here!

Your expertise is invaluable to my work, and I would love the chance to hear more directly from you. If you’re open to sharing your thoughts, please DM me or comment below, and we can arrange a convenient time for a Microsoft Teams call. Interviews are strictly confidential, last no more than 15 minutes, and your participation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this - I’m genuinely grateful for all your hard work and any input you can provide on these challenging times. Hope to speak with as many of you as possible!