{"id":108,"date":"2022-10-04T17:53:45","date_gmt":"2022-10-04T16:53:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.imperial.ac.uk\/componc\/?p=108"},"modified":"2022-10-04T17:55:56","modified_gmt":"2022-10-04T16:55:56","slug":"introducing-microlens-using-a-design-approach-to-understand-what-brain-tumour-patients-want-from-their-images","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.imperial.ac.uk\/componc\/2022\/10\/04\/introducing-microlens-using-a-design-approach-to-understand-what-brain-tumour-patients-want-from-their-images\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing MicroLens: Using a design approach to understand what brain tumour patients want from their images\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\u201cWhat if patients could see all of their images, whenever they wanted? What would they do with them? What would they need to make that useful?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

MicroLens started with that question and is an exploration of what that would mean for patients and carers, and the different ways it could\u00a0work, for different staff, patients and carers in our service. We are publishing this to summarise what we have done so far \u2013 but also to invite you to contribute! If you are interested in adding your thoughts, please see the link at the end of the blog post.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Specifically, we wanted to bring a design-led approach to thinking about some new technology. By that, we mean, instead of jumping in feet first and writing some code, we wanted to explore use and needs, and then let the technology follow, following the general Design-Centred AI Approach that we have outlined here<\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Starting point<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Historically, patients had images taken (X-rays, ultrasound, CT) at a hospital. These were then reported by a radiologist, and the report went to whoever had requested the imaging. Then the patient came back to discuss the results with their treating team. More recently, we have had the ability to show those images to patients in clinic, so we can explain and demonstrate what the report shows. Over the last few years, some centres now offer routine access to imaging reports for patients through \u201cPatient Portals\u201d which let patients see their blood tests results, letters, reports, etc. We have one of these at Imperial, and it is being rolled-out London wide (https:\/\/www.careinformationexchange-nwl.nhs.uk\/how-it-works).\u00a0 However, as computers have developed, patients can now easily look at their own imaging at home \u2013 taking the images home on CD, and downloading free software to view them.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Technology is currently at a place where patients can look at their own images outside of a clinical consultation but the evidence available shows that there is a mismatch between what patients and users want to what clinicians and medical teams think patients and users need\/ want.\u00a0\u00a0The MicroLens project is about us taking the time to hear from a wide range of people (patients, caregivers, researchers, multidisciplinary team members (radiologist, CNS, oncologists, surgeons), technical minded people) over a five month period to hear what would be practical, needed, feasible and how they would best use and understand their images instead of starting with the technical aspect. <\/span>This is part of a wider move in the lab that we explore in this post on Design-Centered AI<\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We looked at 6 main areas \u2013\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Current tools being used by patients\/ caregivers to view images;\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Functionalities of the current tools\/ systems and their accessibility;\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Benefits of having images with the scan reports;<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. When should the scans\/ images be made available for patients to view?<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Platform – Web based, app or hybrid approach? What security is needed and the sign up and access process;<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Professional\/ workforce views<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Current tools being used by patients\/ caregivers to view images;<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    How do people currently view their images?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n