A system I designed to improve how repeat prescriptions are handled in the Irish Healthcare system.

1. Designing the future
of digital healthcare
in Ireland
Aoibheann O’Sullivan

2. Make the experience of acquiring and using a repeat
prescription as easy as possible for patients and pharmacists
by providing a digital service that would store the prescription,
notify when it needs to be renewed and when the medication
needs to be taken.
Aim

3. Objectives
Research best practice models in user friendly digital design
as well as digital health systems.
Conduct research interviews with patients of varying ages as
well as pharmacists and other medical professionals if possible.
Create a trustworthy, friendly brand that people will trust with
their healthcare information.
Create a digital service that simplifies the process of acquiring
a repeat prescription and provides patients with information
and assistance regarding their particular condition.
Map out where my solution would fit into the Irish healthcare
system overall.

4. Research examples

6. Interview findings
Patients
Have trouble remembering to take medications.
Repeat prescription dates sometimes run out too quickly to
collect last round of medication.
Paying for appointments just to renew prescription is costly
and time consuming.
Fear that they will lose prescription slips over the course of a
few months.
Aren’t properly informed of some of the side effects or
dangers of certain medications.

7. Interview findings
Professionals
Have to keep repeat prescriptions for forgetful patients.
Some older people have trouble remembering to pick up the
repeats and this could potentially endanger their lives.
Agree appointments to renew prescriptions should not apply
to all medications eg. asthma inhalers, contraception.
Certain prescriptions require time to get, so patients end up
waiting a few days to get the prescription.

8. How might we...?
Put forgetful patients minds at ease, by reminding them to
take medication and to renew their prescriptions.
Limit the amount of wasted time for doctors and pharmacists.

10. How does it work?

11. Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Patient no. 076490-2627
Allergies:
Penicillin, Lactose
Prescription card

12. Step 1:
Doctor’s office

15. Step 2:
Pharmacy

16. Dispensary
or
Pharmacist?

21. Step 3:
At home

25. Step 4:
Renewals

31. Conclusion
Pharme will hopefully cut down on unessacary doctors
appointments and therefore decrease waiting times in GPs.
Will limit the amount of time spent waiting in pharmacy for
prescriptions as pharmacist will be informed of your need in
advance.
Use of card will make patients feel more secure with their
repeat prescriptions.
Reminders will ensure medication is taken, therefore limiting
complications with missed dosages.

32. Thank
you!