Design Challenge

How Might We Develop a Systematic Strategy to Address Hearing & Communication in the Hospital?

ENhance

Engaging Healthcare to Address Communication Environments

ENhance is designed to deliver a simple, scalable program that is compatible with the healthcare workflow to identify and address hearing loss with amplifiers and communication strategies.

Background

Optimal patient-provider communication is a key to improving health care outcomes. Despite the impact of hearing loss on communication, hearing is rarely addressed in the context of patient-provider communication.

ENhance addresses hearing loss as a barrier to communication in health care settings via screening and intervention programs.

Design Activities

Background Study

Reviewing & Interpreting Scientific Literature.

Field Visits

Shadowing & Observation;
Informal Interviews.

Design Workshops

Synthesizing Findings;
Ideation & Prototyping.

Iteration

Collecting Feedback;
Refining Prototypes.

Prototypes

Communication Tips

Providing visual reminders of optimal communication strategy and color-coded hearing loss severity.

Program Brochure

A quick overview of the Enhance Program - Why, Who, How.

ENhance Training Webinar

A 15-min webinar that trains the healthcare workers in the ENhance Program.

Nicholas Reed

Core Faculty
Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center

Mengru Liao

Social Designer
Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center

To learn more about the study, plaese reach out to the Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center for Hearing & Public Health.
For questions about the design process, please contact Mengru Liao.

Ultilized Skillsets

Design Research

Background Research;
Collect User Perspectives.

Ideation

Map User Experience;
Identify Opportunity Area.

Graphic Design

Prototye Intervention Materials;
Collect Feedback & Iterate Process.