Background

The Scott Star App project was an innovative initiative aimed at transforming the operational processes of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), particularly focusing on their Air Ambulance crew. The objective was to conduct a feasibility study to explore the potential for transitioning critical workflows from traditional paper-based methods to a fully digital, user-friendly app designed for Apple iPad Mini devices. The steering group for this project comprised senior NHS staff and SAS supervisors, ensuring a well-rounded and informed approach to addressing the needs of the service.

The Focus Group

The first phase of the project involved working closely with the air ambulance crew stationed in Glasgow. This engagement was crucial for understanding their unique operational requirements and the challenges they face in high-pressure environments. The collaborative effort provided valuable insights into their workflows, including the reliance on the traditional run sheet, which was identified as a key area for digital transformation.

The Run Sheet

The run sheet served as the crew’s primary tool for recording patient information and incident details. Its paper-based format posed challenges in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and data management. The objective was to redesign this tool in a digital format that not only replicated its functionality but also enhanced it through automation and integration with medical equipment.

Objectives

The app’s design needed to account for several critical factors to ensure its usability in the demanding environment of air ambulance operations. These included:


1. Sun Glare and Lighting Conditions: The app’s interface had to remain readable under varying light conditions, including bright sunlight and low-light scenarios.
2. Accessibility and Usability: Given that many users might have limited familiarity with advanced technology, the app’s design prioritised simplicity and intuitive navigation.
3. Integration with Medical Equipment: The app required the capability to integrate seamlessly with onboard medical devices for automated logging of patient vitals, reducing the burden on paramedics and improving accuracy.

Core Features

The app was designed with several key modules, each tailored to address specific operational needs.

Digital Run Sheet

A paperless system replicating the traditional run sheet’s functionality, enhanced with features like auto-saving, searchability, and cloud storage.

Incident Management Module

A tool designed to aid paramedics in recording and triaging patients during incidents. This module also supported major incident management, including a dedicated Team Magenta feature for coordinating large-scale emergency responses.

Patient Handover Module

A paperless transfer system ensuring seamless communication and data sharing between air ambulance crews and hospital staff, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of errors.

Dispatcher Command Centre

A companion tool at the SAS dispatch desk to monitor all emergency resources under its command. This feature allowed dispatchers to have real-time visibility of ongoing incidents and resource allocation.

Prototype Development and Testing

To ensure the app met user needs, a high-fidelity prototype was developed and subjected to rigorous testing. The prototype included all core features and was deployed in simulated operational environments to gather feedback from air ambulance crews and dispatch staff. Testing focused on:


1. Usability: Ensuring the interface was intuitive and easy to navigate, even for users with minimal technological experience.
2. Performance: Evaluating the app’s responsiveness and stability under various conditions, including offline functionality.
3. Accessibility: Testing the app’s readability and usability in different lighting conditions, such as bright sunlight and night operations.

The feedback collected during testing informed iterative improvements to the app’s design, resulting in a solution that was both robust and user-friendly.

Immersive Research

To design the dispatcher module effectively, I spent significant time at the SAS dispatch desk. Observing the team’s workflow offered a deep understanding of how emergency calls are monitored, resources allocated, and decisions made under pressure. This immersive experience informed the creation of a centralised interface for dispatchers, enabling them to oversee operations efficiently while maintaining a clear line of communication with air ambulance crews.

Key Outcomes and Conclusion

The Scott Star App project was a testament to the power of collaboration, research, and innovative design in addressing complex operational challenges. Delivered in five months—one month ahead of schedule—the project set a strong foundation for modernising emergency response workflows within the Scottish Ambulance Service. The feasibility study concluded that the app could significantly enhance operational efficiency by digitising critical workflows, reducing manual errors, and streamlining communication between air crews, dispatchers, and hospital staff.


The client expressed satisfaction with the final report and test results, which were presented to the steering group. Discussions are ongoing to advance the project to the development phase. Meanwhile, the team is currently studying the integration feasibility of the app with medical equipment to further enhance its functionality.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of user-centred design in creating tools that meet the unique needs of emergency service personnel.
• The value of immersing oneself in the environment of end-users to gain authentic insights.
• The necessity of considering environmental factors in hardware and software design for field operations.

User Interface Designs