Áine Walsh
she/her
pod
'pod' allows people living with HIV to share sensitive details about their diagnosis with healthcare staff before their first hospital visit. People can share this experience in their own time, space and language which is transcribed into a ‘note’ for healthcare staff to review. Vital information reaches staff without people having to revisit difficult moments in a hospital.
This project has been created in collaboration with the Mater Hospital Infectious Disease Clinic and HIV Ireland. Through this collaboration it was made apparent the lack of current emotional support for people living with HIV in Ireland. Specifically during their first visit to hospital where many shared that in the context of the time-pressured clinical environment of a hospital, sharing sensitive medical information can feel overwhelming. 'pod' has been designed to address this.
This project was created through a human-centered collaborative design process, a process I deeply value and prioritise.
pod
Someone living with HIV is offered the service of pod.
If they feel they would benefit from sharing parts of their experience prior to hospital they can share with pod.
This is made into a note within their medical chart for medical staff to review before meeting them (which they can edit so it truly represents them).
People are met with informed staff who can offer them appropiate supports without having to revist hard moments within the unfamiliar environnement of a hospital.
Research
Research with the Mater Hospital.
Testing and evaluation with HIV Ireland.
Creating parameters for realistic implementation.
Photo of clinic during observantional research period.