A norm creative toolbox for an equal care experience

Purpose and goal

“Health care today is not always equal. Sometimes because patients are not treated equally. Sometimes because patients are treated the same, even though they have different needs and abilities.” www.1177 The goal of the project has been to develop, test and evaluate various tools that supports more equal staff-patient interactions in a health care setting. The goal has been achieved. The tools should lead to patients and relatives feeling treated based on their individual needs and abilities, and to healthcare staff feeling supported in the non-clinical aspects of their job.

Expected results and effects

The result is several ‘tools for interaction’ that are designed and developed after the needs and requirements of the Neonatal ward, but in a way which allows them to be spread to other wards. The tools consist of: Door signs, note blocks and so-called Feel-good cards; which make it easier for parents at Neo to identify and express their needs, normalize their thoughts and feelings, and minimize misunderstandings with staff. The Empathy Gym, a card game, with which staff can train their empathy, non-verbal communication, and ability to handle challenging situations.

Planned approach and implementation

The tools were designed by Södersjukhuset’s Innovation unit with input and feedback from the Neonatal ward, who provided the context in which the tools could be developed and a place where they could be tested and evaluated. The project is based on insights that came from workshops with health care staff at the Neo as well as Antenatal/BB at Södersjukhuset. Several ‘tools for interaction´ have been designed, adapted, and improved iteratively by Sös Innovation through the duration of the project after continuous feedback from the health care staff, the counselors and parents at Neo.