Initial Design Proposition

With the above research in mind, an improved communication system between GP clinics and their patients is proposed. This system will utilise the theories of operational transparency to proactively communicate delays and waiting times with patients through text messages (when necessary) and through a wait time board in the waiting room. It will incorporate the visual design language of health system in Australia to be instantly relatable and appropriate to the context of a GP clinic. S Henning, a graphic designer at the SLHD (Sydney Local Health District) describes three key aspects of the health districts design language: 1) Simple vector drawings 2) warm colours, and 3) direct personal language, using ‘you’ in descriptions and recommendations.

Features and Functions

Below are a list of proposed functions and features of the communication system: • Text messages to confirm appointment once made including doctors name, appointment date and time • Test message the day before as reminder to reduce DNA’s • If the clinic is heavily delayed, (30-45+mis) a text message 1 hour before will be sent to the patient • A waiting room screen that shows each doctor and their rough delay time • Delay brackets rather that exact minutes with an associated colour. 5-15 mins is green, 15-30 is yellow, 30-45 is orange, 45+ red • Clear graphic communication – health styling • Slightly overestimated delays to beat expectations • Shows the number of patients helped already that day • Integrates with current booking system What not to show: • Patient details and name • Exact time estimates • Inside the appointment rooms