PhD Student
Lancaster University
2019 Helena is a final year PhD Candidate at Lancaster University. Her PhD is funded by Connected Health Cities and focuses on how digital technology can help support clinicians and patients in managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Respire
Project Overview
Respire is a dashboard that captures, aggregates, and visualises healthcare data from two NHS trusts and the patients that they serve. The information is then used to ensure that clinical decisions are based on data and evidence, saving time and improving patient care.
Did you work with an RSE from the beginning of the project?
In the early stages of Respire we worked with paper prototypes and wire-frame diagrams. As the project moved forwards it became clear that a digital prototype was required. The research team felt that this would increase engagement and improve feedback
What was the benefit of working with an RSE?
Collaborating with an RSE transformed the project. They took the initial paper designs and created a bespoke interactive prototype with realistic visualisations based on dummy datasets.This resulted in a more rounded prototype that was more meaningful and engaging for our participants.
Having worked with an RSE, will it change your approach in the future?
Collaborating with an RSE was hugely beneficial to the project. They added further skills to an already diverse research team and enabled the project to create tangible products from detailed designs.Working with an RSE has the potential to offer a significant boost to the impact and engagement research can have in the healthcare space. I would encourage other digital researchers to consider where an RSE can positively contribute to their research and consider collaboration when writing research proposals.
Can you tell us more about your current or any future research projects?
I am excited to be actively working with two NHS trusts to explore how Respire could transition from a prototype to a fully functioning system that is used by clinicians in practice.This will directly draw on the prototype that we created with our RSE, which has acted as a great tool to demonstrate to stakeholders
