Be Positive
This project was carried out autonomously, with oversight from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It aimed to explore and devise potential improvements and enhancements for the eRaktKosh application. eRaktKosh, an initiative rolled out by the Indian government, functions as a web-based platform aimed at addressing the shortfall in blood supplies and raising public consciousness about the importance of blood donation.
The Problem
Urgent Requirement
There are several factors that contribute to the demand and supply mismatch in the blood donation industry. One significant factor is the scarcity of blood banks and certain blood types. Blood banks are responsible for collecting, testing, and distributing blood and blood products to hospitals and other healthcare facilities. However, there are often not enough blood banks to meet the demand for blood in a given region. This can lead to shortages, particularly for rare blood types that are more difficult to find donors for.
Another factor contributing to the demand and supply mismatch is the lack of communication between the blood donation organization and patients. Patients in need of blood may not know where to go to find a blood bank, or they may not be aware of the specific blood type they need. Additionally, there may be communication breakdowns between hospitals and blood banks, leading to a lack of coordination in meeting the demand for blood. Overall, these issues can lead to a persistent imbalance between the demand for and supply of blood, resulting in a challenging situation for both patients and blood donation organizations.
Awareness
Many individuals are not aware of the state of their blood health, and as a result, they may not be aware of the symptoms that can indicate poor blood health. These symptoms can include unusual fatigue or weakness, difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting, and unexplained bruising or bleeding. Individuals need to pay attention to their bodies and seek medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms, as they could be indicative of underlying issues with the blood.
Proper blood health is crucial for maintaining overall physical well-being. The blood plays a vital role in transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and removing waste products. When the blood is not functioning properly, it can harm the body's ability to perform essential functions. Therefore, individuals need to be mindful of their blood health and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms that could indicate a problem.
The Solution
Our online application is intended for both blood patients and individuals who are interested in maintaining their overall health. In addition to addressing the pressing issue of blood shortages, we also aim to educate users about the central role that blood plays in maintaining good health. Many health problems can be traced back to issues with the blood, and by raising awareness about the importance of blood health, we hope to encourage individuals to take proactive steps to maintain their blood health and prevent future health issues.
Through this application, we aim to provide a valuable resource for both blood patients and those looking to improve their overall health. By connecting individuals in need of blood with potential donors and providing information about blood health, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of our users.
Research Work
National Estimation of Blood Requirement in India
"National Estimation of Blood Requirement in India" was carried out by NACO (National AIDS Control Organization) to estimate the population need, clinical demand, supply, and utilization of blood for the country's population. Apart from a comprehensive literature review, the methodology included daily exercises among clinicians from different medical specialities, and primary data collection from 251 public and private facilities representing primary, secondary, and tertiary care facilities from five regions of the country.
Objectives
The purpose of the study is to estimate the overall requirement for blood in the country. The specific objectives are:
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To understand the conditions and clinical interventions, influencing the requirement of blood.
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To estimate the blood transfusion need of the population, the current clinical demand, current supply, and current use of blood and components.
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To estimate the demand and supply gap.
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​To develop a model for predicting the demand for blood.
Ownership
A majority of the facilities (57%) were in the possession of the private sector, while the remaining were under the jurisdiction of the public sector. Of the facilities belonging to the private sector, a significant proportion (67%) were operated for profit, while the remaining (33%) were non-profit organizations.
Population need
Current clinical demand
Current supply
Current utilization
User research
The focus of this research was on individuals within the age range of 18-55. The primary objective of the study was to assess the level of awareness and understanding that people in this age group have about blood and health. By understanding the current level of knowledge about blood health among this population, we can identify areas where there may be a need for further education and awareness-raising efforts.
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By targeting a specific age group, we are able to get a clearer picture of the knowledge and awareness levels within that group. This allows us to tailor our efforts to meet the specific needs and concerns of this particular demographic. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to improve understanding of the importance of blood health and encourage individuals to take steps to maintain their blood health for the benefit of their overall physical well-being.
Interview Questions
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What is your blood type?
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Can you list a few indications of poor blood health?
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Have you ever participated in a blood donation?
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What is your opinion on the importance of regular blood tests?
Interview Insights
User personas
Design Research
The red color is constantly present in our thoughts due to its position as the hue with the longest wavelength within the visible spectrum. It is also notable for its striking visual impact. In light of these characteristics, we have determined that employing a hue that exudes a calming and uplifting effect would be the most appropriate choice for our users.
Rough sketches
Design Screens
Learnings
Working on this project, I really got to see how UX can make a difference in areas like blood donation awareness. One challenge was getting people to engage due to limited awareness. I focused on improving our user engagement tactics, which helped increase participation. This project has been a huge learning curve for me, emphasizing the value of persistence and user-centric design in creating meaningful impact.